In our industry news section, Paul Framton says that the only way out of the mess the road haulage industry is in, is to unite and force rate increases.
Here at the RHA we have heard that some hauliers have got rate increases as a direct result of the new Road Transport Regulations and working time for example and others who have negotiated fuel escalators. How did they achieve this? Well they asked!
Talk to members and the industry as a whole and it is apparent that many operators are afraid to put the question to customers and would rather go bust than stand up and to clients demanding rate freezes. Or in the case of some large well respected companies we have heard about; they allegedly demand that hauliers work for LESS - suggesting they employ foreign drivers to reduce their overheads. If they refuse they are threatened with termination of their contracts!!
Well some of you have taken the bull by the horns already, and have stood up for your business and the industry. So take Paul Framptons advice, talk to each other and share experiences. You can do it right here in this forum in complete confidence.
All we would ask is that you keep it clean and don't name company names. They are looking and they will sue.