Mick Balch

George Moore Here’s where the skip trade was 40 years ago. May 1983 - Wessex Plant Hire increased the price of a 6 yard skip into Havant / Hayling to £24 plus vat! May 1983 HT Hughes increased tipping rates into Down End Quarry Fareham to £1.50 per loose mtr or £6.90 per 4.6m skip. Note this site does not close for lunch! By 1988 the price of a 4.6m3 skip had risen to £30-£43 Hughes Container Service. In addition £1.00 per day bin rental after day 3. Other firms followed in a similar fashion. By 1988 tipping had risen to £2.75m3 loose at Down End. Skip onto 1994 and we into the mid £50 - £60 for a 4.6m3 skip. Wages for a skip driver lorry 1988 £3.70 ph 1989 £4.07 1990 £4.27 In September 1996 Wessex advised customers that the new Landfill Tax would likely increase a 4.6m3 skip by around £33! And we all started to see the price of skips getting around the £100 plus vat mark. Move onto 2004, that’s 20 years ago, and we can see prices being offered at £120. Landfill Tax wasn’t popular but it’s proved to be the driver that wasn’t there before 1996. There will need to be more drivers in place but another 21% increase in LFT next April will sharpen minds.

38

3 Comments

Road Haulage Association (RHA) Truck Cartel opt in site is now live!   We are expecting a large number of operators to opt in to the claim so we ask that operators aim to complete the process within 48 hours of receiving the RHA’s email. If you have any questions on the opt in process, myself and Steven Meyerhoff are hosting a Q&A webinar to run through the process and answer any questions you have. To register for the webinar, please click here: https://lnkd.in/ebACDVUU   As a reminder to operators, the RHA has been authorised by the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) to bring this claim as the trade association trusted to obtain compensation for the haulage industry as a result of the truck manufacturer’s price fixing cartel. There are many benefits to being part of the RHA’s claim, including:   ◼ No cost / no risk to you – the RHA has secured a significant amount of funding to enable it to bring the claim at no cost to those that opt in. The RHA has also taken out insurance cover to protect class members in the event that a costs order is made in favour of the truck manufacturers.     ◼RHA manages the process – the RHA will handle the day to day running of the claim, meaning that very little of operator’s valuable resources will be taken up in pursuing the claim.   ◼Economies of Scale – over 17,000 operators have registered their interest in being part of the RHA’s claim. This gives the RHA significant bargaining power in any settlement negotiations with the truck manufacturers.   ◼RHA deals direct with the truck manufacturers – We understand that operators are keen to preserve their relationships with the truck manufacturers and dealers. Being part of the RHA’s claim means that you can avoid the risk of tarnishing these relationships as you do not have to communicate directly with the manufacturers and dealers.   If you would like to know about the benefits of being part of the RHA’s claim, please contact us at [email protected].

13

DB Cargo UK welcomes the appointments of Louise Haigh MP and Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill as Secretary of State for Transport and Minister of State for Rail. Now more than ever, we need to push rail freight up the agenda for transport decarbonisation and work together to close the cost gap between rail and road. We look forward working with the Government's new Transport Team to deliver the change our sector needs to harness private sector growth and investment for the UK’s railway. We all know that 'Freight Belongs on Rail', now we need the right changes in policy to make it happen and make sure that freight stays on rail. The rail freight industry's recently-launched, Delivered by Rail Freight manifesto, clearly sets out where change is needed the most to secure growth. Read it here https://ow.ly/txzl50Syyhl #FreightBelongsonRail #DeliveredbyRailfreight

95

1 Comment

Extending HS2 to Euston and Crewe could raise project’s potential concession value to £20bn It is being reported that the Transport Secretary Louise Haigh has signalled that the HS2 high speed line will go to Euston, with an announced expected at the October 30 Budget. It had been speculated that HS2 trains from Birmingham could stop in West London at Old Oak Common rather than Euston being the terminal because of the cost. An article on #TheStandard website has said that pressed whether it was affordable for the high speed line to run to Euston, Ms Haigh told Times Radio: “It would never have made sense to leave it between Old Oak Common and Birmingham.” The news comes as the High Speed Rail Group (HSRG) has publicly warned Treasury against making ill-advised short term savings on HS2 at the taxpayer’s expense in the medium to long term. Analysis from HSRG with the support of Greengauge 21 estimates the capital cost of delivering Old Oak Common to Birmingham to be £47 billion, but due to the limited railway it delivers it would only have a potential concession value of £5 billion. However to increase the scope of the network to reach Euston and Crewe would incur a further capital cost of £11.5 billion, whilst raising the potential concession value to as much as £20 billion. In this submission to Treasury the rail industry argues that the greatly increased concession value of a line stretching from Euston to Crewe would comfortably outweigh the extra capital expenditure, and that increasing the scope of the project could in fact save Treasury as much as £3.5 billion in the medium term. In a recent representation to Treasury HSRG offers the successful example of HS1’s concession model, where a 30-year concession was sold for £2.1 billion, covering a third of the total construction costs. HSRG illustrate a clear precedent for monetising HS2, with modelling showing that if HS2 was constructed according to a similar framework, returns to HM Treasury could match, or even exceed, those of HS1. More broadly, HSRG has set out its four key policy recommendations ahead of Labour’s first Autumn Budget on the 30th October. 1. Engage with the infrastructure investment community to explore funding options 2. Approve the Old Oak Common to Euston section of HS2, and continuation of tunnelling works to avoid costly delays 3. Retain current HS2 landholdings between Birmingham and Crewe 4. Develop and stick to a comprehensive long-term strategy for both North-South and East-West travel Dyan Perry, Chair of HSRG, said: Rail investment must be a priority as it achieves far more than simply addressing capacity issues; it drives economic growth, transforming prosperity and productivity across UK regions, creates jobs and upskills workers.” https://lnkd.in/eY4J_E43

10

The importance of seeking advice… Yesterday I hit a personal record of 14 days from date of variation application to approval of interim licence. This was because we sat down and made sure everything was in order before submitting to CLO, on the flip side to this I have supported operators who don’t have everything organised and it takes months and months for approval because there is always a further request for information. Being an operator is about being organised, if the application is messy and not taken seriously, what will the operation look like if granted ? If you are unsure on the requirements or if you have submitted everything neccesary, get some advice. Drop me a message if needed or email [email protected] #OperatorLicence

10

Best Practice for Using Agency HGV Drivers

12

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) is aware that some operators have received an email from DAF encouraging them not to opt in to the RHA’s claim.   The email from DAF is misleading and appears to be another attempt to place obstacles in the way of operators obtaining compensation, as they have done all the way through this case.   DAF suggests that the RHA’s claim is not in the interests of operators but has not provided any details of what could happen in the event that operators do not opt in to the claim. If you do not opt in, your claim against DAF is likely to be out of time and this could leave operators in a position where they are unable to obtain any compensation.   The RHA’s funding and insurance arrangements have been considered and approved by the Competition Appeal Tribunal, confirming that it is in the interests of claimants for the RHA to proceed with this claim on behalf of the industry. The RHA considers the total compensation could be around £2 billion and if this is the case, claimants will receive the vast majority of the compensation paid.   The RHA has said all along that one of the important benefits of its claim is that it will place you and other operators in a much better bargaining position to obtain the full compensation you deserve. DAF is only one of the defendants to the claim and operators must opt in to preserve their claim against all the major truck manufacturers.   The RHA will soon be sharing details of how to opt in and would encourage operators, having read the relevant materials, to opt in at the earliest opportunity to ensure they have the best chance of obtaining the full compensation they deserve. If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected]. Thank you for your continued support. Your comments and thoughts are always welcome. 👇 👇👇

44

These #EP EFL253 yard forklifts are the perfect fit for the pallet networks, fast opportunity charging which is ideal between the loading peaks. Morning, noon & night ready! No need for “range anxiety “ with standard telematics demonstrating that when used in this industry batteries rarely drop below 30% and absolutely 100% ZERO fumes! Massive savings in fuel costs with some users only spending £1 per hour (3-4kwh @ £0.25/kwh) #EPEquipment

7

Update from Chris Wright with BRTA Bedford Area Rep Response: This email may not have reached you. Attachment now removed. Some good news from Quainton Newsletter, although not sure of their sources. Also some notes in Mod Rlys 12/24 DfT working on a low cost option for Ay-MK HS2 to rebuild route to Quainton Rd (other reports say EWR),  N/Rail to rebuild embankment and line to Aylesbury. 60 mph (not 90) -required in Network Change order. Would double track if funded.  Q/Rd are seeking for Q/Rd to be a stop (Earlier parish council were anti due to increased traffic in village and platform may need replacing with current standards). If only one track laid may allow Q/Rd to keep access to part of mainline. Lease ends in 2028/9. Joined both sides of their site in 12/24. Using mainline for Xmas trains. MP Callum Anderson -MP for Buckingham and MKS in support and Greg Smith MP for Risborough now. I have written to Callum and he has asked me for more info. Also Lord Faulkner and Hendy of Heritage Rly Association, support Modern Rlys (12/24) has report on HS2 in Bucks inc Calvert. N/Rail required to relay one track to Calvert -aim by 2028. Also notes the Ox-Bristol service will have 2 more return trains on Saturdays from 12/24.  BRTA Response: It just shows that having a rail link is better than none. Speed is a luxury, trains are quicker than roads in most cases anyway and are greener for what they carry than multiple individual vehicles plying the land! Hence our #Willington option of bypassing the old route can be done but at a lower speed and 2 bridges across the River Great Ouse! Problem is: 1. EWRC Co are promoting one Northern Route with tweaks 'more or less tunnels', whereas what we wish for is ours and their routes put before the public, both equally worked up and as Mrs Thatcher once said "Let the people decide." 2. Our route would be better for passenger and freight. 3. It is only Bedford-Tempsford we are concerned about, no problem with the new route to Cambridge South! 4. EWR Co have met with everyone but BRTA/me. 5. Engagement with Bedford Borough is protracted, awaiting a round-table meeting, but again Befare gets there first. 6. Unless the opposition of Northern Route get behind our route proactively, work it up and put it before the public and new Secretary of State for Transport - Swindon South - then Bedford-Cambridge will either be strangled with development, be cancelled because of divisions or wither for want of a fully supported rail alternative. 7. Media black out here for BRTA in Bedford, as the media seem keen on Promoters/Officialdom and Opposition, not the third way option of a choice put before the people - our route was not included in 2019 consultation. Quainton news laudable, but should mean plenty of land for a Claydon Parkway Station akin to Winslow please? [email protected] https://lnkd.in/exz6itXr

1

Permit system for Port of Dover bound freight traffic New measures in place for Summer 2024 to ensure haulier compliance with Operation Brock  Why is this system being introduced? A new permit system has been introduced to prevent hauliers from ‘rat running’ and dodging the queues in Operation Brock as they head to the Port of Dover.   Whilst the vast majority of freight drivers adhere to the rules of Operation Brock, there are hauliers who contribute to delays elsewhere in the county by attempting to skip the queues.   Stepping up compliance measures to ensure that freight drivers stick to the traffic management plan and do not circumnavigate Brock will reduce congestion and make all journeys to the Port of Dover more straightforward. ​ It will also reduce the need for the sudden closures of the A20 Roundhill Tunnels and help keep local roads flowing more freely in busy periods. ​ When does it come into force? The permit system will be in force from 10 July 2024, when Operation Brock is introduced on the M20 motorway in readiness for a busy summer getaway period. It will be used as soon as Dover TAP is instigated, and Operation Brock is being actively used to control the flow of freight to the Port of Dover. Lorries will only be released from Brock when there is enough room in TAP. ​ How will the permit system work? Freight drivers MUST follow the correct route on the M20 and collect a permit at the front of Operation Brock. If they do not, they WILL NOT be able to access the Port of Dover. ​ Permits will apply to Port of Dover bound freight drivers only and will be issued at the front of the Operation Brock queue.   Permits will be checked at the A20/B2011 Courtwood Interchange in Dover TAP. If drivers have a valid permit, they will be allowed to re-enter the TAP queue on the A20 and continue their onward journey to the port.   If they DO NOT have a valid permit, they will be turned back to join the Brock queue   REMEMBER: no permit means no access to the Port of Dover ​ What happens if hauliers try to bypass this system? Kent Police and the Driver Vehicle Standards Agency can issue on-the-spot £300 fines to lorry drivers stopped attempting to avoid the traffic management system. Teams are stationed at points along the Kent road network to enforce the legislation and redirect portal-bound freight traffic to the back of the Brock queue on the M20. ​ What arrangements are in place for local hauliers and deliveries? Local HGVs and deliveries WILL NOT be pulled off the A20, but allowed to continue their journey, with passenger and local traffic, onwards into Dover.   Those Kent hauliers that qualify for the Local Haulier Permit will be sent this shortly, ahead of the busy summer period.   There is no need to apply for a Local Haulier Permit as, if you fall within the catchment area, KMRF already has your details. #VARTAN #Freight #Permit #Hauiler #Dover

2

Saving money while upgrading your fleet? It's possible and easier than you think! Here are 6 Tax Benefits You Can't Afford to Miss in 2025: 1. Enhanced Capital Allowances: Deduct the full cost of qualifying green technology investments from your taxable profits. 2. Reduced Road Tax: Benefit from lower Vehicle Excise Duty rates for low-emission vehicles. 3. Grants for Electric Vehicles: Receive grants covering up to 35% of the cost of new electric vans and trucks. 4. Green Finance Incentives: Access preferential tax treatment on loans for purchasing eco-friendly vehicles. 5. Carbon Credits: Earn and trade carbon credits by reducing your fleet’s emissions. 6. Tax-Free Benefits for Employees: Provide tax-free benefits such as electric vehicle charging at the workplace. Our industry is at a pivotal moment. By investing in green technologies, we not only protect our planet but also secure a prosperous future for our businesses. Discover how your organisation can take advantage of these tax benefits and lead the charge towards a cost-effective future in 2025: https://lnkd.in/gKeHfYfc #GreenTransport #SustainableHaulage #EcoFriendlyTech #Innovation #RoadTransport #UKHaulage #2025

3

Times move fast within the Transport industry and with this we have to be ready to move with it. The FORS standard will be updating to V.7 and will be effective from January 2, 2025, it's crucial to consider a Transport Operations Policy review now. Whether you're looking to advance your accreditation, join the scheme, or refine your policies, at Complete Transport Compliance Limited we can provide tailored packages to meet your requirements. #FORS #TransportOperations #PolicyReview

9

Thought for the day now as an ETM / operator Im sure everyone manages the fleet thats authorised on the Operators licence ,however I've come to find that many operators dont include the grey fleet on their compliance management schedules. Grey fleet ????? does the operator have any works vans, cars , forklifts , diggers , mobile cranes etc. Do they have a programme in place to record the VED , MOT , insurance , service intervals , safety inspections and any other required checks? Is there the required training in place for any staff that use these vehicles ? Do they have first use checks sheets in place for these vehicles ? It's all too easy to concentrate on the vehicles that are authourised on the Operators licence but dont forget the grey fleet , it's just as important to ensure that these pieces of equipment are roadworthy and well maintained. At ST&L Consultancy we help operators traverse the compliance minefield to ensure that their standards & procedures are benchmarked to the highest standards. Feel free to drop us a line to have have a chat about all things compliance - 01234 417556 [email protected] www.stlconsultancy.co.uk Anyway , have a lovely day in the sunshine whatever youre doing and wherever you are. ST&L Consultancy #transportcompliance #complaincemanagement #notsureask Collaborate MK Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA)

11

1 Comment

2024 Road Haulage Association (RHA) Annual Cost Movement Survey and Report In our wide-ranging 2024 survey, members have painted a clear picture of the current challenges facing our industry. They’re telling us that running costs are too high and 66% of hauliers tell us they're concerned about the state of the economy. With a stagnant economy showing little growth, this has been another difficult year for operators. Last year saw nearly 500 businesses collapse and this year more previously successful firms have followed. According to an analysis of recent official Companies House data, half of all new firms established since 2019 have either entered insolvency proceedings or closed;   With profits lower and costs high, the recent Budget fuel duty freeze until March 2026 will help hauliers, but other burdens have been placed on businesses such as the rise in employers' national insurance contributions. If the Government is serious about its objective of economic growth, they’ll have to work collaboratively with an industry that’s crucial to delivering it. We want to work with them to lower the costs and regulatory burdens placed on our key sector. 2024 Survey findings:   The 2024 RHA Annual Cost Movement Survey results highlight that increasing cost pressures continue to impact operators. Pre-tax profit now stands at just 1.58%. This is compared to profit of 2.60% the previous year. Our survey results show us that the cost of operating is pushing ahead of inflation and overall costs including fuel increased by 3.51%.  Many operators however have fuel escalators, and so the increase for them this year excluding fuel, was 5.95%. * For example: Annual costs for a 44-tonne model (excluding fuel) stands at £160,604*. This is a cost increase for operators of £9,025 on the previous year.   The complete 2024 RHA Annual Cost Movement Survey and Report is set to be released later this week #RHACostsandRegulation

45

3 Comments

RANTON WITH ANTON - HS2 CANCELLED FOR THE GRAVY TRAIN Its now become apparent that the reason HS2 was cancelled is because the high speed rail network would not be able to keep up with the gravy train the current class of 24 MP's are enjoying. SO when I become PM the following changes will be made: 1. MP's will not have a second home in London and if they do they dont get to claim money for it 2. MP's dont get to claim for sundries like newspapers or clothing or photographers or even paper clips 3. No MP will be able to accept freebies of any nature. No tickets for football, no invites for dinner 4. As an MP you are meant to be able to deliver on your promises and if you dont, you will apologise in public 5. MP's will get to claim money back for travel via public transport and by public transport only. If you fly you will fly economy like the rest of us. 6. You will be responsible for your own staff, because the paying of massive wages doesn't fit with my new philosophy. Like a lot of people I am sick and tired of voting for people who are quite simply want to show themselves doing the things they are meant to be doing. Look at me culture amongst MP's are at an all time high and the funny thing, they pay so many people to advise them, yet they dont actually do what most would advise them. LinkedIn guru's tell you to interact with all posts both good and bad, yet you will not get one MP including the good old PM to comment on any responses. I find an MP telling voters he will make it priority to keep an A&E open yet, barely 70 days in the job blames the old government for not being able to do so but guess what, accepts tickets for the Charity Shield ??????

5

6 Comments

🚨 Is the death of the independent warehouse just a matter of time?... 🚨 With 43 days left of 2024 – Is anyone else starting to wonder what the final number of business who started the year but wont end it will be? Last year the number was just short of 500 which is mind blowing...that’s 500 businesses all with employees, who all have mortgages…and bills…and families to support all re-entering a shrinking jobs market...It’s a scary proposition 😫 I can see striking similarities between the death of the high street and the potential downfall of an ‘independent’ warehousing industry 💀 📉 Let me explain…A small number of big multinational supermarkets came into play in the late 90’s which led to the closure of tens of thousands of smaller, independent shops across the UK ultimately unable to adapt their range of products and services and most importantly the cost offered by the ‘big boys’ With 500+ small independent businesses across the warehousing sector going bust each year are we seeing the same scenario play out here? Thoughts 🤔 #warehouse #warehousespace #newtech #technology #logistics #SpaceNinja

11

10 Comments

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) is deeply disappointed by the government's decision to delay the development consent order for the Lower Thames Crossing, after ministers announced a delay on a decision until at least 23 May 2025. We have long campaigned in support of the project as it would spark economic growth by increasing road capacity and reducing congestion. The crossing is a transformative roads improvement project that could create a more resilient road network and unlock investment opportunities to boost UK business, reduce journey times, and improve efficiency for the logistics industry. Delays to this project undermine these goals and perpetuate the challenges faced by commercial vehicle operators. It would almost double capacity across the Thames east of London and would be expected to provide a boost of up to £40 billion to the UK economy. The nearby #DartfordCrossing is one of the most congested roads in the country costing the #economy more than £200m every year in lost productivity and freight delays. More investment in roads and infrastructure is one of our key priorities with congestion costing the economy £30bn a year. Ahead of the Budget we urge the Chancellor keep the £8bn allocation of Network North road maintenance funding to improve roads. We are also calling for the forthcoming Road Investment Strategy (RIS3) to feature a fresh pipeline of projects to kickstart a new period of job creation and economic growth. More on our Budget asks: https://lnkd.in/eD58vaq4 #RHAInfrastructure #RHAFacilities #RHACostsAndRegulation

43

10 Comments