Improve conditions for truckers or face new tariffs, trucking industry warns | Business Newsletter

A cross-party group of MPs has asked the logistics industry to “get its house in order”, calling for establishments to offer better overnight services for drivers and new ways to boost hiring.

The Commons transport selection committee said if changes were not made within two years the most profitable parts of the industry could face a new tax.

It comes after a shortage of HGV drivers last year caused supply chain problems, lack of fueland Empty shelves in supermarket.

Huw Merriman, Chairman of the Conservative Party committee, said: “We call on the government to be courageous and force the region to rebuild its home.

“In the past, a supply chain tax has worked to encourage reform.

“If industry doesn’t make changes, the government should do so and bill through tax increases to those who produce and sell and make the most profit.”

A supply chain tax could prompt major supermarkets, oil companies and online service companies to help fund improvements, including secure facilities, clean showers , restrooms, healthy food options and service for female drivers.

The trucking Supply Chain committee’s report said the lack of high-quality rest facilities was the “primary reason” for drivers leaving the sector, with some describing existing facilities as now is dirty and vandalized.

Instead of using overnight accommodation areas, some HGV drivers choose to park their cars overnight, which could result in penalties for them.

The commission also argues that transportation companies should pay to train new HGV drivers, rather than drivers paying for the training themselves.

The commission said this could also be financed by taxes if necessary.

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The Road Transport Association (RHA) said it supported many of the 33 measures in the report, but also said many of them were “restrictive, temporary and problematic measures”. systems that affect the industry require long-term planning”.

“We appreciate the principles behind a supply chain tax, but we need to ensure that this will not lead to undue cost pressures or limit the growth of SME service providers, ” it said.

“We are concerned that the industry may not be able to make the necessary changes to avoid being taxed in just two years when so many of those changes are beyond the control of the industry.

“We oppose any measure that risks adding significant costs to small and medium-sized businesses.”

RHA chief executive Richard Smith said: “We welcome acknowledging the hardships of life as an HGV driver. In many places, HGVs and their drivers are simply not welcome.

“This needs to change. We welcome measures that will improve the experience of HGV drivers on the nation’s roads and the way they are treated.”

A spokesman for the Department for Transport said: “We recognize the global challenges faced by this important sector and have taken 33 unprecedented measures to address the shortages. HGV driver.

“This includes providing 11,000 training locations through our skills training program so more people can start their careers as HGV drivers, increasing the number of qualification tests HGV vehicles and invest in improvements to truck parking and driver welfare facilities.

“Addressing global supply chain constraints remains a priority for the government, and we will continue to support the trucking sector through our interventions.”