Work booked. Vehicles running. Cash flow under pressure. Truck, coach and van operators need a 15p/litre Essential User Rebate, additional to a fuel duty freeze. Tomorrow: how to ask your MP to back the businesses that keep Britain moving. #RHA #BackTheBusiness

Today, we’re launching the RHA Wellbeing Charter in Northern Ireland at our regional briefing in Portadown, building on its launch in London in July. When we discuss the future of our industry, investment, skills and decarbonisation rightly feature prominently. The health and wellbeing of our workforce must be part of those discussions too. Across the HGV, coach and van sectors, people are managing demanding schedules, responsibility and increasing business pressures. That reaches from the cab and workshop to the traffic office, customer service team and boardroom. As leaders, we have a responsibility to consider how our working environments support those people. A workforce that feels valued and supported helps build stronger businesses, retain experience and attract the next generation. The Charter brings that commitment together through six pillars: • Learning and development – helping people build confidence, develop their skills and see opportunities to progress. • Mental wellbeing – encouraging open conversations, reducing stigma and improving access to support. • Leadership and resilience – creating working environments where people feel informed, valued and able to contribute. • Connecting with others – strengthening relationships and tackling the isolation that can affect people across our sector. • Exercise and physical activity – supporting practical opportunities for physical activity and healthier lifestyles. • Food and nutrition – recognising the challenges of accessing healthy food and encouraging better choices, facilities and support. These are areas where businesses of every size can take practical steps. Listening to a colleague, making time for development or improving access to support can all contribute to a better working life. More than 2,600 have already pledged their support. Our ambition is to deliver one million moments of improvement over ten years, through sustained action across the industry. On Friday 16 October, our cross-industry steering group meets for the first time. Further launches follow in Scotland on 4 November and in Wales on 2 December, helping us build engagement across all four nations. Today, I’d encourage businesses, colleagues and partners in Northern Ireland and across the UK to join us. Make your pledge, consider what you can do within your organisation and help turn this shared commitment into lasting improvements. wellbeing.rha.uk.net/ #RHACampaigns

Today I’m visiting Portsmouth International Port for the launch of its new shore power system and the publication of Plugging in: Portsmouth’s shore power journey and the future of clean ports. This is a significant achievement, and Mike Sellers and the whole team at Portsmouth International Port deserve real credit for their ambition, persistence and leadership in bringing the project to this point. It also demonstrates what can be achieved when a port, local authority, industry partners, operators and infrastructure providers share a clear vision and work together to deliver it. Why is this relevant to road transport? Because freight does not begin or end at the port gate. Ports, shipping, trucks and the wider supply chain are all part of the same interconnected system. As ports invest in cleaner energy, we must consider how grid capacity, charging and alternative-fuel infrastructure can support the commercial vehicles completing those vital first and final miles. Portsmouth’s work provides valuable practical experience from which the wider freight sector and government can learn. Individual projects like this must ultimately connect into a coordinated, four-nation National Freight Plan—with road transport firmly at its heart. We must continue addressing the immediate pressures facing operators, particularly fuel costs. But we must also help shape the infrastructure our members and the wider economy will depend upon in the future. Congratulations to everyone involved in reaching this important milestone. I look forward to learning more about the journey, the challenges overcome and the lessons that can support the transition across UK freight. #RHA #RoadTransport #Freight #Ports #ShorePower #Infrastructure #Decarbonisation

A valuable visit to Newport Transport today, where I spent time with Nick Meakin discussing their experience of operating four electric coaches. It was particularly useful to understand what these vehicles can currently be used for—and where limitations around range and operational requirements mean they are not yet suitable for every journey. A significant challenge remains the lack of suitable charging infrastructure. If we want operators to invest confidently in electrification, charging must be available in the right places and provide sufficient capacity for coaches and other commercial vehicles. Ambition must be matched by practical infrastructure, investment and policy certainty. Electrification will play an important role, but it may not be the only solution for every coach operation. We must also explore the potential of biofuels, hydrogen and other lower-carbon technologies. A flexible, technology-neutral approach will be essential to achieving decarbonisation while protecting vital passenger services. We also spoke about PSVAR, telematics and the day-to-day challenges facing the coach sector. Our discussion reinforced why coaches must be recognised as distinct from buses, with different operating models, journey patterns and infrastructure needs. Policy and regulation must reflect these differences. We also discussed the RHA Wellbeing Charter and its relevance across the sector. As businesses adapt to new technology and operational pressures, we must keep people at the heart of the transition—supporting mental and physical wellbeing and building healthier, more resilient workplaces. Thank you to Nick for his time, openness and valuable knowledge sharing. Direct engagement with operators is essential if we are to develop practical, evidence-led solutions for a cleaner, more productive and people-focused transport industry. Comments welcome #RHA #Coaches #PSVAR #Telematics #Electrification #Biofuels #Hydrogen #Decarbonisation #Wellbeing #Transport #Wales

It was great to catch up with Stephen, Scott and Sasha at MDS Distribution today in Llanfyrnach, South Wales. We spoke about electrification, as they have recently got their first electric truck, utilising recent depot funding. We also spoke about our joint concerns around skills and the next generation, drivers and mechanics, and the general challenges the industry faces from increasing pressures. We also discussed the recent Intergenerational Report and Future Fleets, and reviewed the Intergenerational Report and Payload Report. Click here to see these reports. We had a conversation about what aspects could potentially be deregulated to allow for further decarbonisation or greater efficiency in the industry. We covered the launch of the RHA Wellbeing Charter, and we look forward to MDS joining us at the Welsh launch on 2 December. MDS is a great example of a forward-looking, dynamic transport and logistics business in South Wales. Thank you, Stephen, Scott and Sasha, for your time.

During my visit to Wales this week, meeting members and seeing operations first-hand, I was reminded of the urgent need to review the impact of payload loss as we transition towards the electrification of HGV fleets. The RHA’s Payload Loss Survey Report highlights why this matters. Operators are ready to play their part in decarbonisation, but the transition has to work commercially and operationally. For our sector, payload is productivity. The additional weight of batteries can reduce the amount of goods an HGV can legally carry. That can mean more vehicles and journeys to move the same amount of freight — increasing costs, congestion and potentially undermining some of the environmental benefits we are trying to achieve. Our report sets out three practical asks of Government: • Increase the authorised gross vehicle weight for electric HGVs from 44 tonnes to 46 tonnes. • Increase the authorised drive-axle weight for electric HGVs from 10.5 tonnes to 12.5 tonnes. • Establish a DfT-led, cross-representative technical working group to assess changes to authorised vehicle weights and the corresponding Construction and Use regulations. Importantly, we are working collaboratively with all the relevant partners across Government and industry — bringing together operators, manufacturers, infrastructure providers and other stakeholders. This needs a collective, evidence-led solution. We recognise that changes to vehicle weights need careful consideration, particularly around safety and infrastructure. But addressing these issues is essential if we are to give operators the certainty and confidence to invest. This isn’t about slowing down decarbonisation. It is about removing practical barriers so we can accelerate it in a way that works for businesses, the economy and the environment. The ambition is shared. Now we need to work together with urgency to make the pathway deliverable. Read the RHA Payload Loss Survey Report: rha.uk.net/Portals/0/Campaig… #RHA #Wales #HGV #Electrification #Decarbonisation #Logistics #Collaboration #Infrastructure #EconomicGrowth

While the truck manufacturers have done everything they can to try to prevent the RHA’s claim from continuing, the Road Haulage Association (RHA) has fought back and is currently in a very strong position. The case has been delayed due to matters outside of the RHA’s control meaning that we are a number of years further down the line than we expected to be at this stage. The RHA will not give up and remains confident that its claim will ultimately be successful and payment will be secured for operators that suffered loss as a result of the truck manufacturer’s illegal price fixing activities.

Great to visit James Hallier, General Manager at KINGS HEAVY HAULAGE (BRISTOL) LIMITED in Bristol. We spoke about the challenges of moving "oversized" loads around the country and the need for consistency to be applied, which the ALG (Abnormal Loads Group) is working towards, along with the rest of the industry. We also spoke about the importance of wellbeing and the launch of the RHA Wellbeing Charter, which James and Kings Heavy Haulage are already adopting with some great initiatives in this area, which is a credit to their business. Other areas discussed included decarbonisation and why electric is not applicable in this area currently. So, decarbonisation does not equal electrification as far as Kings Heavy Haulage is concerned. We also discussed challenges around skills and general day-to-day economic concerns and opportunities. Thanks very much for the time, James. I look forward to seeing you soon. your thoughts and comments welcome #KingsHeavyHaulage #RHA #RoadHaulage #AbnormalLoads #Logistics

Thank you to Max and Chris, Bakers Dolphin. It was great to visit their Weston-super-Mare office today. It is always good to visit coach operators to discuss the current challenges they are facing. We had a long conversation around PSVAR, driver availability, decarbonisation, and agreed it is important that we continue, as the RHA, to demonstrate why the coach sector is very much different to the bus sector and reflects the need going forward. We also discussed at length the RHA Wellbeing Charter, which we have launched around the six pillars and how this is very relevant to the industry. Thank you both for the time. I look forward to catching up with you again. Your comments and thoughts are welcome. #CoachIndustry #RoadTransport #Logistics #RHA #CoachOperators #PSVAR

Thank you Cameron, Victoria and Gary from McLeod Transport. It was good to visit you today in your Weston-super-Mare office. We had great conversations around drivers, self-employed drivers, the role of the Traffic Commissioner, and the recent administrative challenges around VED exemption. We also spent a good deal of time talking about the importance of the newly launched RHA Wellbeing Charter, as we all recognise the pillars and the issues within the industry. McLeod Transport are clearly aligned to this thinking, as they have put good processes in place to support their colleagues. Days like today are important to ensure that our messaging is relevant, and I thank you all for your time. Good luck with the move to your new office and commencing your pallet network activities. I look forward to seeing you again soon. your thoughts and comments welcome. #RoadHaulage #Logistics #RHA #RHAWellbeingCharter #DriverWellbeing #Leadership #PalletNetworks #OneMillionMoments

Thank you to Deputy Transport Minister for Wales, Mark Hooper, for taking the time to meet with us today. We welcomed his announcement regarding both the Menai Bridge and the ongoing congestion challenges on the M4, particularly the commitment to undertake a detailed review and report back in the Autumn. Reliable and resilient transport infrastructure is essential for the movement of people, goods and services across Wales and beyond. Our discussion also highlighted the professionalism of drivers across the coach, van and HGV sectors. Every day, these highly skilled individuals keep communities connected, businesses supplied and the economy moving. We were pleased to discuss the Road Haulage Association’s key priorities, including skills, infrastructure, facilities, trade, environment, and cost and regulation. We also shared the importance of the RHA’s forthcoming Wellbeing Charter, which aims to deliver a million moments of improvement over the next decade through a focus on mental wellbeing, leadership and resilience, connecting with others, exercise, food and nutrition, and learning and development. Constructive engagement between government and industry is vital if we are to build a safer, stronger and more sustainable future for the transport and logistics sector. Thank you to Chris Ashley and Michael Gough FCILT for joining me today and for helping to represent the views of truck, coach and van operators across Wales. As always, your thoughts and comments are welcome. #RHA #Logistics #RoadTransport #Wales #Infrastructure #MenaiBridge #M4 #DriverWelfare #Wellbeing #RoadFreight #CoachIndustry #VanIndustry #SupplyChain #EconomicGrowth

The Liberal Democrats this morning announced that they will be pushing in Parliament for a temporary 10p per litre fuel duty cut for three months - this will apply to all users of fuel . While developments such as a ceasefire are welcomed and may stabilise markets, prices remain significantly higher and the pressure on operators continues. The message we are still getting from operators is clear: the pressure is immediate. Fuel costs have risen sharply, with many businesses reporting increases of over a third in a short space of time. This is unsustainable. That’s why we are calling for an Essential User Rebate for HGV, coach and van operators. These sectors are essential users of fuel. They keep supply chains moving, support communities and underpin the wider economy. Around 80% of goods are moved by road, and commercial vehicles contribute over a third of all fuel duty receipts — yet they are among the most exposed to rising fuel costs. In simple terms, an Essential User Rebate would provide targeted support for the vehicles that keep the country moving — for example, allowing operators to reclaim part of the duty paid on fuel. Other countries are already taking action. Across Europe, governments such as France, Spain and Italy allow commercial operators to reclaim part of their diesel duty, while others have introduced temporary fuel tax cuts or targeted support for transport operators during periods of high prices. Our position is clear: - an immediate Essential User Rebate - no increase in fuel duty in September - no link between fuel duty and inflation from April 2027 - fair payment terms to support cashflow across the sector We have already set out this case to Government and will continue to press it over the upcoming days as this matter is urgent.

Most people will never think about pallet networks. But they rely on them every single day. Put simply, pallet networks are shared distribution systems that move goods between businesses and regions overnight - efficiently and at scale. Across the UK, they now move around 30 million pallets every year - connecting businesses, regions and supply chains with remarkable efficiency. Nearly two-thirds of that is next-day delivery. A further 11 million pallets move on economy services. And increasingly, this isn’t just business-to-business. Around 16% now goes direct to homes, supporting the way we all live and shop. What’s striking is how efficient this system has become. The average pallet weight is just 372kg - meaning networks are maximising loads, reducing empty running, and making smarter use of every journey. Figures like this, shared with us by the Association of Pallet Networks (APN), highlight just how vital these systems have become over the past 20 years - and it’s now a critical part of the UK’s logistics infrastructure. But it only works because of road transport, and that matters. Because when we talk about fuel, access and policy decisions, we’re not talking about theory - we’re talking about the systems that keep goods moving across the country, every single day. Road freight isn’t optional. It’s essential. And that’s why it’s right we continue to make the case for fair treatment - including recognising the sector as an essential user of fuel. #Logistics #RoadFreight #SupplyChain #PalletNetworks #Transport

This morning, I stopped at a service station on the M1 and noticed something that raised a question. HGV fuel pumps were unavailable. At the same time, fuel remained available for cars. Now, there may be a perfectly reasonable explanation for this — and we’re looking into it. But it does highlight an important point. For the road transport sector, access to fuel isn’t optional. It’s essential to keeping goods moving. When availability is restricted — even in isolated cases — it can have a direct impact on operators, journeys, and ultimately the movement of goods across the country. We’re engaging with service station operators to understand whether this is an isolated issue or part of a wider approach. In the meantime, it’s a reminder of just how critical reliable fuel access is for our sector. We’ll share more as we know more.