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The EU Debate and What it Means for Haulage Companies

Author: Lisa Jeeves
by Lisa Jeeves
Posted: May 18, 2015

Whatever their own political inclinations, those in charge of the UK’s major haulage companies will be watching EU membership developments with interest in the run up to 2017. While, at the moment, it seems safe to assume that the majority in cabinet will favour a continuation of the UK’s membership of the European Union, if the UK was to withdraw, how would this affect the haulage industry?

What the EU debate means for the haulage industry

Many UK haulage companies have become used to operating more or less seamlessly across continental Europe. Some are openly expressing reservations about what a UK exit would mean for the future of their operations on the continent, and the possible reintroduction of all of the European transit bureaucracy that existed prior to the early 1970s when the UK first joined.

However, other companies are pointing out, quite correctly, that many UK haulage companies operated successfully in Europe before the UK joined the EEC and that there would not seem any reason why they could not do so again. Heavy goods vehicles of other non-EU nations appear to operate quite successfully in Europe, so there should be no reason for the UK to fear a meltdown with a EU exit.

Counter the Uncertainty

What is perhaps more pertinent is the possibility of an on-going period of uncertainty.As the government prepares to conduct negotiations to revise the UK’s membership of the EU in the potential run up to a referendum, it may lead to reluctance on the part of some European companies to establish reciprocal haulage agreements with their UK partners in haulage companies here.

The onus will be on savvy UK companies to structure their business plans to meet this possible threat and put in place contingencies to redress the balance. For example, companies may choose to focus more on domestic freight and put marketing efforts into that side of the business, rather than rely too heavily on transport contracts in longer haul destinations in Europe. Diversifying, specialising and concentrating on lucrative back loading contracts are all strategies companies can put in place now, in order to ensure if the UK does ever withdraw from the EU, it would not have such a devasting effect on their bottom line.

Those in the transport industry in the UK will no doubt be watching the situation closely, as they should. However, experts advise that unfounded speculation and panic mongering is not the way to go. Keep calm, put a contingency plan in place and carry on!

Norman Dulwich is a Correspondent for Haulage Exchange, the leading online trade network for the road transport industry in the UK and Europe. It provides services for matching haulage companies with jobs in road transport and haulage work in the domestic and international markets. Over 3,000 transport exchange businesses are networked together through their website, trading jobs and capacity in a safe 'wholesale' environment.

About the Author

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.

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Author: Lisa Jeeves

Lisa Jeeves

Member since: Oct 18, 2013
Published articles: 4550

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