RHA Proved Right over Budget Increase in Fuel Duty 10 April 2007

Despite writing to the Chancellor condemning the proposal to increase fuel in six months, pump prices have already risen by almost 2 pence per litre in the past two weeks. "These increases represent a real stranglehold for road hauliers," said RHA Chief Executive Roger King. "For years we have been operating an an unfair advantage compared to our European counterparts and have a Chancellor who year after year produces a budget intended to help UK PLC thrive and prosper. But despite the fact that this prosperity relies on an efficient transport network, we still pay the highest levels of fuel duty in Europe. "These latest increases will put even more pressure on an industry struggling to survive. Many operators have been able to pass on increases in fuel costs to their customers but it is inevitable that the time will come when even the customers say 'enough is enough' and go elsewhere. "Regrettably, this is NOT speculation, we are now hearing on a regular basis of members who have lost out on contracts because a foreign operator can do the job more cheaply. "If Government is so keen to see UK PLC succeed, why penalise the very industry on which the lives and livelihoods of so many depend?

RHA launches 'New Look' at CV Show 10 April 2007

This year's Commercial Vehicle Show presents the perfect opportunity for the RHA to launch its 'new look'. In recent months the Association has undergone a complete re-branding exercise, the results of which will be evident on stand 002 in Hall 4 at Birmingham's NEC from 24th-26 April. "We have been considering a 'new look' for some time," said RHA Chief Executive Roger King. "The Association has always been justifiably proud of its image. Change is not always welcome but I am confident that members will be equally proud of the new image in general and the new RHA logo in particular which, quite simply, reflects just what we are all about; the leading representative for the UK road haulage industry". But it's not just a new look that the Association will be showing off - the May edition of Roadway will be the biggest ever 'free to members' magazine in the industry with 92 pages bursting with news, views and vital information. For non-RHA members, visit the RHA stand and get a special 20% Show discount on an annual subscription. Policy issues are high on the Association's agenda and the Association will launch a detailed, 'no holds barred' policy paper, Road Pricing, an RHA View. This follows on from the short piece the RHA was invited to contribute to the No.10 website and we hope will give a fresh perspective and impetus to the road pricing debate. Copies of the report will be available from the RHA stand. In an effort to maximise employment, training and recruitment within the haulage sector, Roadway Publishing will be launching FastForward, the first training and careers magazine dedicated to the requirements of the road transport and logistics industry. The launch issue of FastForward will be free to around 45,000 recipients thanks to industry support. It will contain an invitation to subscribe; a year's sunscription being just £5.00. The magazine will keep the industry bang up to date on all the latest training issues in addition to raising the profile of careers in the logistics industry. Another 'big issue' that is often overlooked is that of haulage related crime. RHA has addressed this and will be launching RHA Security Audit Service. RHASAS will help commercial vehicle operators to fight back against criminals and satisfy potential customers that all reasonable steps have been taken to secure loads, vehicles and premises. The Road Haulage Association at the 2007 Commercial Vehicle Show. NOT just business as usual; it will be business - but even better!

Driver CPC Tops Bill at RHA Training Conference 04 April 2007

Birmingham’s Jaguar Cars is the venue for the RHA’s 10th Training Conference to be held on Thursday 10 May. Training is now one a vital issue for today’s road transport operator. With profit margins tighter than ever, a skilled workforce really can mean make or break for even a small transport operation. Chaired by Graham Westcott, chairman of the Association’s Careers and Training Committee, the event will cover many of the important aspects surrounding this crucial issue. The RHA Training Conference has become an important date in the transport industry calendar and this year’s event is no exception. The agenda for the day covers a wide range of topics, including a Policy Update from the Driving Standards Agency. All aspects of the Driver CPC will come under scrutiny from a DSA-led presentation covering “What you need to know” followed by “What you need to do” from Ian Hetherington of Skills for Logistics. Training for Safety will be presented by RHA Past Chairman and managing director of Palletline Logistics, Bob Russett. Bob will be introducing the award-winning ‘Truckitts’; a group of characters already playing a key role in educating youngsters about the industry. Christine Barringer, Head of Transportation Section, Health and Safety Executive will present Training for Safety including the importance of training in managing health and safety issues, maintaining training records and how such records are used by HSE Inspectors in investigation and HSE priorities In “Thanks EU”, Mike Smith, Rotherham Chambers, will discuss how to tap into existing projects and how to work with other training providers. For further details and booking information contact Ruth Pott, RHA Head of Employment on 01932 841515 r.pott@rha.net Ends RHA 10th Annual Training Conference, Thursday 10 May 2007 - Jaguar Cars Ltd, Castle Vale, Birmingham (J5 or J6 M6) The Road Haulage Association - supporting the industry on which the UK depends. For more details, contact Kate Gibbs, RHA Communications Manager on... Tel: 01932 838917 Mob: 07979 531451