As the United Kingdom draws closer and closer to leaving the European Union, it is becoming more apparent that the freedom of commercial haulage has to be safeguarded. This is something that all owner operators are aware of. Law on cross-border haulage was introduced by the government of the United Kingdom at the beginning of February. The purpose of this legislation is to prepare the government for the possibility of changes to existing systems. I am going to examine the new law about haulage licenses and trailer registration in order to have a better understanding of what it is and what it implies for the various sectors of the business. What are the costs associated with the haulage licenses and the trailer registration? Baroness Sugg was the one who first proposed the measure that would regulate haulage licenses and trailer registration in the House of Lords. The most significant aspects of the bill are the start of a trailer registration system that is in conformity with the Vienna Convention of 1968 and the preparations for a permit scheme that will be implemented when the Brexit agreement is finalized. Why is it vital to pass the bill? It is part of the government’s endeavor to be ready for life after Brexit that this measure has been introduced. One of the possibilities is that a permit system would be included into an agreement that is reached with the European Union. This indicates that in order for hauliers to traverse borders, they would need a permission. In light of this, the government is working toward the establishment of legislative frameworks that, in the event that they are required, would make the implementation of a permission system easier. The government is hoping that these measures would help sustain the worldwide work of UK hauliers when the United Kingdom leaves the European Union. The registration of trailers The second component of the bill is the establishment of a trailer registration scheme in accordance with the Vienna convention of 1968. This particular aspect of the bill ensures that operators from the United Kingdom who are driving on the continent are in compliance with all of the requirements of European Union countries, including the requirement that all trailers be registered. In order to improve safety and ensure that international road travel goes smoothly, several guidelines have been implemented. Considering that the majority of the Vienna Convention is already covered by the highway law that is already in effect in the United Kingdom, there shouldn’t be too many modifications. comments from the government Chris Grayling, the Secretary of Transport, made a remark on these proposals, claiming that the road haulage business in the United Kingdom is essential to its commerce with the European Union. He said that the administration is working toward the goal of reaching an agreement that would preserve the liberal access that is now enjoyed by both the European Union and the United Kingdom. On the other hand, he is hoping that this measure would provide owner operators with a sense of calm, as they will be aware that the government is planning for the future and making preparations for any and all possible outcomes. responses from the industry There have been a variety of reactions from the industry. according to james hookham, the deputy chief executive of the freight transport association, “the freight transport association welcomes this bill as a prudent contingency plan, but one that exporting and importing enterprises hope never needs to be used”. recognizing that any change to the status quo of international haulage may cause problems for owner operators in the United Kingdom, the association is aware of the necessity of developing practical plans with the intention of safeguarding the commercial relationship that exists between the United Kingdom and the European Union. As can be seen from his words, Hookham is also in favor of the government’s objective of avoiding restrictions from being put on the number of goods vehicles that are allowed to pass the borders between the EU and the UK once Brexit arrives. The haulage industry is currently experiencing a period of uncertainty; however, owner operators can assist in the protection and growth of their businesses in the years to come by being aware of the potential changes that may occur and by making an effort to prepare for life after we have left the European Union [EU]. publisher’s plate A correspondent for haulage exchange, the most prominent online trading network for the road transport business, norman dulwich is a member of both organizations. By use of their website, haulage exchange offers services that facilitate the matching of haulage businesses or an owner operator driver with employment in road transport and haulage work. These services are available to professionals located around the United Kingdom and Europe. Through the use of their website, more than five thousand transport exchange enterprises are connected to one another, allowing for the swapping of jobs and capacity in a secure “wholesale” environment.
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