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New policies on pollution set by local councils and the government have come out – specifically anti-pollution legislation. While many see this as a good thing, it can potentially damage businesses in the logistics industry and the relationships they have with companies they hold a transport contract with. Those who work in or with the haulage industry are the ones who find themselves among the ones negatively affected by these new regulations. Despite this, they are also one of the groups the government considered the least when implementing these new rules. With the increasing number of transport contracts hauliers have to complete, it is important they don’t feel restricted – and these new anti-pollution laws, although passed with the best intentions, are limiting many in logistics. Moving Forward: the Next Step Luckily for hauliers, there are many people speaking out against these new policies – specifically the BVRLA, FTA, RHA and NFDA. These voices recognise that if you’re a lorry driver, you have a transport contract to fulfil, and that means you need to have the opportunity to make your deliveries without being penalised. To help stop HGVs from being priced out of operating in cities, they’ve come up with a six-point solution: the Way Forward Plan. This plan is supportive of clean air zone regulations, however it also gives haulage companies a bit of a break. They are allowed the chance to make their businesses more environmentally friendly, by the opportunity to gradually purchase and phase in vehicles with fewer noxious emissions. The plan also has tips on how to avoid road congestion. The director of the NFDA, Sue Robinson, put forth the argument that the best way forward is with a progressive plan. This way, haulage companies will have the time to make their fleets more sustainable by getting rid of diesel HGVs in favour of cleaner Euro-5 or Euro-6 trucks. Chief executive of BVRLA, Gary Keaney, was also positive that haulage companies would be able to meet the government-mandated air quality target if they were given some help. With a bit of financial support, he predicted those in the logistics industry wouldn’t have a problem decreasing their carbon footprints by upgrading their fleets to cleaner vehicles. Thanks to the dedicated individuals who spoke out on the behalf of the industry, a positive change has been made. The MPs these people met with have since agreed that charging a freight forwarder who has a transport contract should only be done as a last resort. From long hours spent behind the wheel to the recent greenhouse gas emission reduction target set by the government, it is no secret that working in the logistics industry has its challenges. Thankfully, hauliers are being given a voice, a support system and the opportunity to continue their career while helping the environment. Norman Dulwich is a Correspondent for Haulage Exchange, the leading online trade network for the road transport industry. Connecting logistics professionals across the UK and Europe through their website, Haulage Exchange provides services for matching drivers with transport contract opportunities. Over 5,400 member companies are networked together through the Exchange to fill empty capacity, get new clients and form long-lasting business relationships.
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