Figures reveal grim state of UK international haulage, says RHA

Britain's international haulage industry has hit a new low, according to figures from the Department for Transport.

The DfT shows that in the fourth quarter of 2008, just 16% of trucks going between Britain and continental Europe were UK-registered, down from 18% in the final quarter of 2007.

Overall movements between the UK and continental Europe were down by 14% compared with the final quarter of 2007 - 12% for ro-ro traffic and 18% in the smaller, unaccompanied trailer market.

"The figures make grim reading not only for our international hauliers. It supports our view that any advantage to British hauliers that might derive from a reduction in the value of the pound against the euro can be greatly over-stated," says RHA director of policy Jack Semple.

"The figures also highlight the worrying prospect of a damaging increase in foreign competition in the UK domestic haulage market. From May 1, trucks from the new EU member states in eastern Europe will be able to compete legally for domestic loads. Our domestic hauliers pay the highest haulage taxes in the EU and, as a result of UK regulation, run vehicles that do less road damage but are more expensive to purchase and operate," Semple said.