What is your role in the industry? What does your organisation do?
Backhouse Jones is synonymous with legal advice to the transport industry. Backhouse Jones is uniquely industry specific which explains why we advise most of the major UK operators in addition to many smaller family-owned enterprises.
Why are you and / or your organisation getting involved in National Lorry Week 2024?
Backhouse Jones are proud sponsors of the RHA’s National Lorry Week. Haulage is the lifeblood of this country with 89% of all goods transported by land; even the 11% that is not moved by road often requires haulage for the journey to be completed. The impact of haulage on the economy is often underappreciated by those outside the industry!
Why is it important to celebrate the road transport industry?
Road transport is often the unsung national hero. A staggering 2.54 million people work in the haulage and logistics sector with 600,000 individuals holding a goods vehicle driving license. We must celebrate and reinforce the value haulage and logistics bring to the UK economy.
Are there any misconceptions about road transport that you would like to put right?
The role of the professional driver is often underappreciated. It requires foresight, patience, reaction speeds, observations, knowledge, experience and training.
What issues must we raise awareness about in road transport and why are they important?
Recruiting and retaining younger drivers and women in the industry – not to mention better facilities for drivers and an overall driver shortage.
On the 10th anniversary of National Lorry Week, what excites you about the future of road transport?
Many things, but the way in which alternative fuels like hydrogen can be used in road transport moving forward.