Truck and Track Winter 2024/25 www.truckandtrack.com 8 BUSINESS NEWS Westminster Hall Debate MPs call on ministers to help tackle freight crime MPs have urged ministers for more support to tackle freight crime in a Westminster Hall Debate. APPG for Freight and Logistics chair, Rachel Taylor MP, called for a coordinated national strategy to combat the issue, urging greater resources for police, better training and a national awareness campaign. MPs also highlighted the need for more safe and secure lorry parking facilities. Last year, there were 5,370 reported incidents of HGV and cargo crime in the UK which was a 5% increase on the previous year. Since 2020, the direct cost of freight crime has been £306.8 million, with the true value of losses likely being over £1 billion. Rachel Taylor MP said, “Nearly 20% of my constituents work in the freight and logistics sector, so they know better than most how this vital industry is being increasingly targeted by sophisticated and organised criminal gangs. “I called this parliamentary debate to ensure the government knows that tough action is needed, and after their reassuring response today I will continue working closely with them to ensure we crack down on dangerous freight criminals and safeguard this critical industry.” Ashton Cull, RHA Senior Public Affairs manager said, “I’d like to thank Rachel Taylor MP for securing and leading this debate in Parliament. Freight crime is a growing problem in our industry which is putting lorry drivers at increased risk and destroying businesses. “Organised crime gangs see trucks as lucrative and easy targets so it’s vital that industry and parliament continues to work together on tackling the issue. “We need more safe and secure parking for lorry drivers which would help deter gangs from targeting them for their loads and fuel. We’re also calling for new planning reforms to consider the needs of hauliers, and for police to have the resources they need to tackle criminal gangs.” Dan Jarvis MBE, Minister of State for Security, said during the debate that the Government is working with police and industry to improve security and infrastructure. The APPG for Freight and Logistics released their Securing Our Supply Chains report last month on tackling freight crime: https://www.rha.uk.net/ HaulTech boosts efficiency for S R Harradine Switching from pen and paper planning to a transport management system is bringing significant benefits to a family-run haulage firm. Based on the outskirts of Cambridge, S R Harradine is a bulk haulage company specialising in aggregates and muck away. Steve Harradine started in 2000 with just one tipper; today the company operates 30 vehicles and has around 40 staff, including Steve’s wife Joan and their sons Bryn and Rick. “It has definitely helped us to become more efficient,” said Bryn Harradine, operations and transport manager. “It enabled us to grow and have better access to important information - as when I was writing it all in a book only one person could see it or use it at any given time. Now multiple people can get involved, inputting jobs or providing customers with ETAs for deliveries.” S R Harradine moves up to 5,000 tonnes of materials per day in its aggregates and muck away operations. “It has enabled us to grow exponentially and take on more staff,” added Bryn. “We now have five people using HaulTech – two in the transport team and three in the office. HaulTech has also streamlined the way we communicate with the drivers. Previously, I had to text them their work individually, which took up a large portion of my day. Now, the system automatically updates the drivers, and they can all crack on with their days.” A relative recommended HaulTech after the company they worked for successfully installed the system. “At first it was quite daunting as I am not a tech expert,” said Bryn. “But HaulTech sent out a training manager who walked me through the system. Once I’d used it a few times, it became second nature and there’s no way I’d go back to pen and paper now. “HaulTech is like a one-stop shop for us. We use it for everything from adding jobs onto the system through to electronic proof of delivery and invoicing. One of the things we really like is that we can add on more functionality as the business grows. So, when we are ready to go to the next level, HaulTech can help us. “HaulTech has been a game-changer for our company. I would recommend it and, in fact, I already have. Some people from other transport companies asked me and I have told them that if it works for us, it will work for them as well.” www.haultech.co.uk TRUCK & TRAILER SOLUTIONS WELCOME TOALLPORTS GROUP allportsgroup.co.uk
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