r&s july 2013

7/28/2019 R&S July 2013

1/64

www.bar.co.uk

Removals & StorageThe Magazine of the British Association of Removers

Inside this Issue

Industry News BAR News>> Europe raids oil firms over

pricing allegations

>>VOSA finds significant

tachograph tampering

>> TSI Code of Practice

Poster on BAR website

>> Internet helps 1st Choice

expand beyond Dorset

>>BAR leads industry on

consumer protection

>>Senior TC hits out at VOSA

Features Breaking News

July 2013 // Issue 468 // 4

On the coverR&S spoke to BAR Members and manufacturers to find out

what they are looking for from their new vehicles and what

they are buying now. See pages 26 to 28.

>>Issues affecting Canadian

movers

>>Warning to self-employed

drivers

Buying the right Trucks & Bodies

7/28/2019 R&S July 2013

2/64

7/28/2019 R&S July 2013

3/64

7/28/2019 R&S July 2013

4/64

7/28/2019 R&S July 2013

5/64

7/28/2019 R&S July 2013

6/646

BAR News

Removals & Storage July 2013

News from Watford

Were coming up to the busiesttime of the year for domesticremovals, and one that will be veryinteresting from a BAR point of view.

According to a Rightmove surveycarried out in 2012, 71% ofconsumers have now heard ofBAR. That is a tremendouslyencouraging statistic, and shows

we are pursuing the right strategy.Please continue to explain to yourprospects the advantages ofchoosing a BAR Member. It goes

without saying that it is BARMembers in their contact with thepublic who are the Associationsmost effective marketing agents

when it comes to spreading theword.Member feedback continues to

be of enormous importance todeveloping BARs strategy to raisethe profile of the Association andits Members. We are nowundertaking a review of our Terms& Conditions as well as ourMembership criteria. As Memberfeedback is crucial to this process,please send your thoughts eitherdirectly to Paul Swindon, CompanySecretary, to your Councilrepresentatives or to the Directly

Elected Directors.

In terms of governance, theCouncil meetings have now takenplace, and as usual they have ledto a lot of thought-provokingdiscussions amongst Members.Two important new appointmentshave been made please

welcome Neil Lambert, newNational Group chairman, andKevin Mack, the new CMG

Chairman. Minutes of the meetingsare available to download on theMembers area of the BAR Website.

We continue to receive valuablefeedback from Members aboutthe Newcastle Conference and thisis now available on the BAR

website.

Finally, BARs role and work inpromoting a professional and

modern approach to consumerprotection was recognised by theGovernment recently at theconsumer launch of the BAR/TSIConsumer Code of Practice. TheBAR Code is the only code in themoving industry that has beenapproved and monitored by theTrading Standards Institute (TSI) andour sector is one of only 9 sectorsthat have managed to developand launch our own Consumer

Code of Practice.

Follow BAR on:

Contact Details:

EditorialContributions on all aspects of the removals and

storage industry a re welcome, together withphotographs if appropriate.

Please contact the Managing Editor, Louise Gale on:

5FM020 3235 1806

&NBJM [email protected]

AdvertisingFor all enquiries and bookings, please contactSteve Pearce on:

5FM

&NBJM [email protected]

or [email protected]

%FBEMJOFT The booking deadline for all displayadvertisements for the July 2013 issue ofR&S is10 July.

SubscriptionsRemovals & Storage is subscribed to by membersof the British Association of Removers in the UK andOverseas. Current annual subscription is 48.00 inthe UK andboverseas.

Additional subscriptions are available from BAR.

Registered as a magazine The British Associationof Removers 2013. ISSN 0034-4265

"MMSJHIUTSFTFSWFENo part of this publication may be scanned,reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in part

or whole in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical,photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior writtenpermission of the British Association of Removers.

Opinions expressed in Removals & Storage are not necessarilythose of the publisher, British Association of Removers.Thedescription of a product or service in this publication does notconstitute endorsement by the publisher.The publisher does

not accept any responsibility for any claims by advertisers.The

articles in this publication are for general information only andare not intended to be advice to any specific person.Readersare recommended to seek professional advice before taking or

refraining from taking any action on the basis of the contents ofany article in this publication.

The British Association of Removers

5FM'BY&NBJM [email protected]

Tangent House, 62 Exchange Road, Watford,Hertfordshire WD18 OTG

1SFTJEFOU Ian Studd

%JSFDUPS(FOFSBMStephen Vickers

$PNQBOZ4FDSFUBSZPaul Swindon

Removals & Storage is designed on behalf of

The British Association of Removers by:

Rubicon Marketing Ltd. 5FM&NBJM [email protected]

Removals & Storage is written and edited for the

British Association of Removers by Analytica Media

5FM 0203 235 1800 &NBJM [email protected]

Copy and advertisingdeadlines 2013 for futureissues of R&Smagazine"SUJDMFTVCNJTTJPO2nd of the month preceding publication

#PPLJOHPGEJTQMBZ"EWFSUT 10th of the month preceding publication

#PPLJOHPGDMBTTJmFE"EWFSUT

10th of the month preceding publication

#PPLJOHPGUSBEF"EWFSUT 10th of the month preceding publication

"SUXPSLGPS"EWFSU T15th of the month preceding publication

7/28/2019 R&S July 2013

7/647

Industry News

July 2013 Removals & Storage

Senior TC hitsout at VOSA

Senior Traffic Commissioner Beverly Bell has told

MPs that all commissioners have grave concernsthat the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency(VOSA) is not targeting the serially and seriouslynon-compliant. She said VOSA seemed to be morefocused on the soft underbelly and small operatorsthan on the most serious offenders.Your vehicle has to be overloaded by more than30% before there is a prosecution, despite the factthat the European regulations say that, if youoverload by 20% or more, you commit a most seriousinfringement, Ms Bell told the Transport Committeeof the House of Commons, in a hard hittingcontribution to the Committees inquiry into the

work of VOSA. Ms Bell also said that due to thesubstantial number of reductions in maintenanceinvestigations, we are potentially missing out on3,500 unsatisfactory maintenance investigations.It is easy for VOSA to target the soft underbellyof the nice but incompetent small operators. It ismuch more difficult to target and enforce the toughhard core of highly non-compliant operators whoshow a total disregard for road safety.Not complying saves operators thousands andthousands of pounds. Breaches of drivers hours area very cost-effective way to cut costs, work thevehicles harder and work the drivers harder. The

compliant operator just hangs their head in despairwhen they see non-compliant operators, quitefrankly, getting away with it.In my traffic area, I get anonymous letterscomplaining about operators. It took four occasionsbefore VOSA would even act on that, she said.Drivers were tipping off the cards - in other words,falsifying their tachograph charts. If that had beenleft to VOSA, nothing would have happened.We dont get those cases [anymore], but it still goeson. That is what is so frustrating for us as regulators.It must be even more frustrating for the operatorswho have to compete with them.

In his evidence to the Committee, VOSA ChiefExecutive Officer Alastair Peoples said we dontspecifically target the smaller operators.Ms Bell also said that more needs to be done toensure that Traffic Commissioners (TCs) are seen tobe independent from VOSA.There is confusion amongst the industry about whothe regulator is and who the enforcement agency is.It is a constant distraction, she said. Currently, thetraffic commissioners, the regulators, share the samepremises and the same secretariat with VOSA, theenforcement agency.Commissioners are very concerned that VOSA

needs to be cohesive, structured, joined up, andengages with us early, to look together at how to rootout the serially and seriously non-compliant. That iswhere we want VOSA to support TCs, Ms Bell said.

Any such behaviour would be a violation of EUcompetition law and could potentially be harming finalconsumers at the pump. The EC action comes only a

few months after the Office of Fair Trading found nocompetition problems in the UK road fuels market.

Fuel price campaigner Robert Halfon MP said ifproved true, this is a national scandal for the oilcompanies concerned, and the Government should lookat changing the law and put people in prison for fixingoil prices.

Road Haulage Association (RHA) Chief ExecutiveGeoff Dunning said since the original fuel protests wayback in 2000, we have been of the opinion that thereshould be far more transparency among the oilcompanies. Yet every time we raised the issue ourconcerns were dismissed out of hand.

Last year we raised this very issue with the Office ofFair Trading (OFT), only to be told that, in theiropinion, there was insufficient evidence to support sucha claim news that the European Commission hasalready begun a formal investigation is tremendouslyencouraging for the motorist in general, the haulageindustry in particular and the UK economy as a whole.

All too often we use the EU as a scapegoat when itcomes to the rules and regulations that surround theUK road freight industry. This is a time when we are

pleased to be among the first to say on behalf of UKhauliers, thank you Brussels.

The AA has also welcomed the investigations intopricing activities, hoping that they will expose the level

of contradiction between market speculation and thefundamentals of supply and demand. Energy MinisterEd Davey said this Government is deeply concerned byany allegation that prices for consumers could havebeen artificially or unnecessarily driven up.

*ODBOEFTDFOUIf these price rigging allegations are found to be true,then they are as serious as the Libor or bank swapsscandals, said Robert Downes, policy adviser at theForum for Private Business.

Post-crash, rocketing pump prices blighted the UKand put a massive hole in the finances of many smallbusinesses, in particular those who rely heavily on fuel.

This latest investigation by a non-UK body will alsoraise questions around the OFTs operation whichstarted last year if it does eventually find wrong doing.

Our members, and no doubt most of the countrysbusinesses that operate vehicles, will be incandescent if

what many have long suspected that is price fixing proves to be true. And who can blame them.

Halfon said that the OFT carried out a limp-wristed,

lettuce-like inquiry, when it should have made a full18-month inquiry into what has been going on.

.PUPSXBZQSJDFTHowever, the OFT report into fuel pricing in the UK hasresulted in one positive outcome: the government is

planning to implement measures to force motorwayservice stations to advertise petrol prices before the

forecourt and prices at other stations further down theroad.

The OFT had found that petrol bought on motorwaysis on average 7.5p a litre more expensive, whilemotorway diesel is 8.3p higher.

RAC spokesman Pete Williams said this is welcomenews for motorists and commercial drivers alike but westill need motorway services to be transparent and fairon all their prices. They have held the motorist toransom for far too long.

Europe raids oil firms overpricing allegationsThe European Commission has launched raids on oil giants including

BP, Shell and Statoil, amid concern that the companies may have

colluded in reporting distorted wholesale prices for crude and refined

products.

7/28/2019 R&S July 2013

8/64

Industry News

8 Removals & Storage July 2013

Italian truckdriver fined inCumbria

Riccardo Poliandria, aged 39 from Italy wasfined and his truck seized after pleading guiltyat Carlisle Magistrates Court a number ofoffences including falsifying his vehiclestachograph record.

A Volvo articulated goods vehicle was stoppedby an officer from the Vehicle and OperatorServices Agency (VOSA) and from initialexamination it was suspected that the vehiclewas fitted with a device interfering with thecorrect function of the tachograph.

The following day Police Sergeant Hodgsonexamined the vehicle and subsequently arrested

the driver on suspicion of conspiracy to make afalse tachograph record.

The vehicle, a Volvo FH12, was seized andsubsequently examined. It was found that amanipulation had occurred in the recordingequipment that allowed the driver to recordrest whilst driving.

The digital data from the tachographrevealed a number of offences, including aperiod showing rest on the tachograph datawhen it is alleged the vehicle was driven fromCumbernauld to Stirling and back.

Poliandria appeared in Carlisle Magistrates

Court and pleaded guilty to four offences,including one of falsifying a tachographrecord, and was fined 250 for each offencewith 85 costs and 15 victim surcharge.

District Judge Chalk ordered immediatepayment, and if not paid, then ordered 45 daysimprisonment. A confiscation order was alsogranted by the judge for the vehicle, which wasvalued at 46,000.

Sergeant Graeme Hodgson from the RoadPolicing Unit wholed theinvestigation forCumbria

Constabulary saidCumbria

Constabulary and our partners at VOSA haveevolved a good working relationship. Thismarks the latest of a series of successfulapplications to confiscate vehicles used tocommit offences of tachograph manipulation.

Road side fines have their place but we havefound that these are often accepted by foreigncompanies who believe the company directorsare untouchable. Penalties tend to be leviedmore on the drivers. Whilst many firms willpay these, they still appear to be no disincentive

to stop manipulation. The most effectivemeasure is to remove the vehicle from theroad.

VOSA finds significanttachograph tamperingVOSA Chief Executive Officer Alastair Peoples has said that the agency

is finding more significant numbers of cases in which tachographs are

being tampered with, especially by magnets.

In his evidence to the inquiry by the TransportCommittee into the work of the Vehicle and OperatorServices Agency (VOSA), Mr Peoples said we arefinding some very sophisticated means of tampering

with the tachographs. Ironically, the electronictachograph was introduced to try and do away with the

fraudulent element of the waxed tachograph charts.We have found that it has spurred a whole new industryin terms of manipulation. Our examiners are welltrained in looking for any abnormalities in the record,he added. We are unique in Europe in having live

real-time access to a European-wide database interms of use of magnets. We also now have thesophistication of using an endoscope to look insidegearboxes and small compartments to check and see

whether or not there are any magnetic devices found.Where we do find them we take the appropriate action,which usually involves the police. We also potentiallyprohibit the vehicle and put that same informationonline as soon as we can, so it is open not only to therest of our examiners but for roadside examinationsEurope-wide.

Net immigration plummetsNet long-term migration to the UK has almosthalved in the last year, falling to 153,000 in the

year to September 2012 from 242,000 in the year toSeptember 2011.

That puts the Tories on course to meet anelection pledge to cut immigration to the tens ofthousands while reducing the size of what hasbeen a very lucrative market for internationalremovals companies.

Total long-term immigration to the UK was500,000 in the year to September 2012, down from581,000, while total long-term emigration fromthe UK was 347,000, similar to the estimate of339,000 in the year to September 2011.

There was a decrease in the number of citizensimmigrating to the UK from New Commonwealthcountries. 105,000 citizens of New Commonwealthcountries migrated to the UK, significantly lowerthan 166,000 the previous year.

190,000 migrants arrived to study in the year toSeptember 2012, which is significantly lower thanthe 246,000 in the previous year. Study remains the

most common reason stated for migrating to theUK.There was a significant decrease in the number

of migrants arriving whose main reason was to

accompany or join others. This fell to 62,000 in theyear ending September 2012, from 80,000.

Excluding visitor and transit visas, the number ofvisas issued fell 6% to 499,780 in the year endingMarch 2013, the lowest 12-monthly total recorded.

In the year to March 2013, there were 206,814visas issued for the purpose of study (excludingstudent visitors), a fall of 9% compared with the

previous 12 months.

Sponsored student visa applications fell 10% inthe year ending March 2013. This change was notuniform, with a 5% increase for the universitysector and falls of 46%, 46% and 7% for furthereducation, English language schools andindependent schools, respectively.

There was also a 5% increase in visas issued toskilled workers and a 10% increase in study visasissued for Chinese nationals.

Immigration Minister Mark Harper said wehave made substantial inroads in cuttingimmigration and now have a more selective systemthat works in our national interest. Looking

forward, our Immigration Bill will reduce the pullfactors to this country and make it easier to removepeople with no right to be here.

7/28/2019 R&S July 2013

9/649

Industry News


The agreement will pave the way to allow TfL to providedetails of every commercial vehicle involved inbreakdowns and over height collisions within BlackwallTunnel to VOSA.

Currently, TfL write to the owner (rather than thedriver) of a commercial vehicle that causes an incident

within the Blackwall Tunnel.However, this is only possible where the owners

details appear in the livery of a vehicle, which oftenonly occurs in a handful of cases.

By providing the vehicle details to VOSA, more directand appropriate action can be taken against the ownersof these vehicles.

This can range from future enforcement activity toreferral of the operator to the Traffic Commissioner,helping to further change driver behaviour across

London.In addition, TfL has invested in a new site office on

the Blackwall Tunnel Northern Approach, which will beused by VOSA and the Metropolitan Police Service(MPS) to carry out enforcement activity.

A new automatic number plate recognition (ANPR)and weigh-in-motion system has also been installed onthe A2 to identify potentially overweight vehicles inadvance of approaching the tunnel.

Since September 2011, officers from the MPS SaferTransport Command Roads Policing Unit have been

permanently based at the Blackwall Tunnel.This dedicated team provides an immediate response

to incidents, such as breakdowns and accidents,occurring in or around the tunnel.

More than 3,000 vehicles have been inspected byofficers in the last 20 months, of which more than 400

were found to be overweight.Vehicles that are identified as potentially overweight

will then be accurately weighed and inspected at thenew site office.

Heather Cruickshank, VOSA Director of Operationssaid: VOSA is pleased to be working with Transport forLondon to help target non-compliant commercialoperators and drivers.

Clamping down at theBlackwall Tunnel

Transport for London (TfL) and the Vehicle and Operator Services

Agency (VOSA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for

closer collaboration and data sharing as part of their continuous

work to reduce the impact of dangerous and unroadworthy vehicles

in London.

VOSA warnsvan operators

Gordon Macdonald, the Vehicle and OperatorServices Agencys Head of Enforcement Policy, has

warned van operators attending the FTA VanExcellence Conference that those not complying

with regulations would be targeted by theauthorities.

In his speech Mr Macdonald stated that VOSAwas determined to improve van operationalstandards and makes no secret of its intention tosignificantly ramp up the number of roadsideinspections and other enforcement activity.

In addition, he praised the Van Excellencescheme, describing it as an extremely goodexample that the industry can take responsibility

for itself, adding that accredited operators of theVan Excellence scheme were recognised by VOSAfor demonstrating good practice in the industry.

Mark Cartwright, FTAs Head of Vans, said FTAapplauds the efforts of VOSA to increase generaloperational standards and welcomes the words

which Gordon Macdonald from VOSA hasdelivered, enforcing the message to those vanoperators who need to improve their standards todo so.

New link road for TauntonWork on a new 15.2m link road will go ahead inTaunton after receiving final approval from LocalTransport Minister Norman Baker.The work is needed to improve east-west

connections across Taunton and open up access tonew development.

The scheme will see Somerset County Councilconstruct a new road linking Staplegrove Road in

the west of the town to Priory Avenue in the east.Norman Baker said the scheme will help to

reduce traffic demand through the town centre andsignificantly improve access to the Firepool area,

unlocking land for vital regeneration - encouragingeconomic growth and inward investment.

Construction work can now start, with the projectscheduled to complete in autumn 2014.

7/28/2019 R&S July 2013

10/64

Industry News


Consultation on new Thames CrossingPlans for a new Lower Thames crossing have been published by Roads Minister Stephen Hammond.

The consultation is the first step in deciding on the

location of a new lower Thames road crossing. Thegovernment has put forward 3 options to tackle thecurrent congestion and capacity issues plaguingmotorists in the area on a daily basis.

The 3 possible options are:Option A: at the site of the existing A282Dartford-Thurrock crossingOption B: connecting the A2 Swanscombe Peninsula

with the A1089Option C: connecting the M2 with the A13 and theM25 between junctions 29 and 30

The variant to option C would additionally widen theA229 between the M2 and M20

Roads Minister Stephen Hammond said with trafficlevels expected to increase by a fifth over the next 30

years, it is vital we take action now on the future of anew Lower Thames crossing to make sure that ourroad network is able to meet the future economic needsof the country.

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) haswelcomed the launch of the consultation and said thateasing congestion at what is one of the most importantnational artery routes is essential.

Congestion needs tackling now, declared the FTA,

adding that the cost of queuing should be taken intoaccount, which for a 44 tonne truck averages 1 perminute, outweighing the cost of the toll and ultimatelythe price of constructing the right crossing to relieve

what are now real pinch-points at Dartford and theBlackwall Tunnel.

FTA pointed out that the introduction of free-flowtolling in 2014 will go some way to relieving thequeues at the tunnels, but added that new capacity wasneeded and there was a definite requirement to planmore efficiently for the future in order to cope with

traffic on these essential routes.Malcolm Bingham, FTAs Head of Road Network

Management Policy said FTA believes that there is adefinite requirement for a third Thames crossing, but

we have to ensure that the best option is selected,providing real relief on this important national artery.There is a terrific opportunity here that must not be

wasted, and strong leadership to decide what the bestoption is has to be paramount. FTA will help withdetermining what the right option is by consulting

with its members on what that best crossing will be.

Crackdown on HGVs in ShropshireShropshire Councils public protection service isreminding HGV drivers of their legal obligation notto drive down roads or across bridges where there arerestrictions prohibiting HGVs from doing so, unlessthey are required to make a delivery to premiseslocated within the restricted areas.The advice follows successful prosecutions in May2013 where Shropshire Council brought casesagainst four drivers.

The drivers all pleaded guilty to driving their HGVseither down London Road or Oakfield Road inShrewsbury; both of the roads have a 7.5 tonne

weight restriction in place.

The Magistrates Court sentenced the drivers tofines ranging from 105 to 180, and ordered eachdriver to pay costs of 130 to Shropshire Council inrespect of the offences.

Frances Darling, Shropshire Councils publicprotection service manager for safer and strongercommunities, said public protection officers carryout targeted monitoring of our weight-restrictedroads and bridges on an on-going basis. The HGVs

in these cases were witnessed driving on two of ourweight restricted roads. Follow up enquiriesdetermined that the drivers of the vehicles had nogenuine reason for travelling along the roads in

question and that they had not taken any steps toprevent the breaches. We were left with no option butto institute legal proceedings in each case.

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Councils Cabinetmember, added I strongly urge HGV drivers to pay

particular attention to the weight restriction signs,and to follow the advice given by public protectionin order to avoid breaching the orders that existacross Shropshire and the rest of the country.

Nick Payne of the Road Haulage Association saidlocal councils appear to be cracking down moreheavily than they have done in the past.

A96 Dualling plans take shapeScottish Transport Minister Keith Brown has set out howthe A96 dualling programme will be driven forward.The outline strategy identifies packages of design anddevelopment work to be progressed over the next few

years with the objective of completing the full dualling

between Inverness and Aberdeen by 2030.Mr Brown said our plans to dual the A96 by 2030 willdeliver around 86 miles of improvements between thecities of Inverness and Aberdeen.

Dualling this important road is a significantundertaking which will require careful in-depth

planning and design. This will ensure we deliver theright scheme to help tackle congestion while providingbetter journey time reliability and road safety for allusers.

To help us develop our plans, a significant amount

of preliminary assessment, initial survey work andconsultation will be carried out. Although our plans fordualling the A96 are less advanced than the A9, we arecommitted to investing in this strategically importantroute.

7/28/2019 R&S July 2013

11/6411

Industry News


In April, after the latest cyclist death directlyattributable to an HGV, police launched a stop andsearch campaign against unsafe lorries in London.Transport police and vehicle inspectors have beenstopping lorry drivers at strategic points across the city.Stephen Hammond, the Road Safety Minister, saidHGVs are killing cyclists in cities. We cannot continuedoing nothing about this problem. He has identifiedimproving HGV safety and standards as a key part ofaddressing the problem and, together with Sir PeterHendy, Londons Commissioner for Transport, they haveestablished a working group to look into the issue. The

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has also waded intothe debate, suggesting that lorries should be banned

from city centre roads during peak times.The Freight Transport Association believes these

proposals are impractical. It refers to the recentlypublished recommendations of the All PartyParliamentary Cycling Group report Get BritainCycling, which notes that restricting HGVs at busy timesis neither practical nor economically beneficial. The

FTAs Christopher Snelling said these routes are busyfor a reason they are the economic lifeblood of our

urban areas. He explained that just because a route isbusy does not automatically mean it is dangerous. TheFTA is calling for a more thought-through approachand supports junction redesign and improved cyclinginfrastructure, as well as allowing night-time deliveries.

5SJBMTGPSOFXMBZPVUTMeanwhile, Transport for London (TfL) has begun amajor cycle safety research project to trial new junction

layouts and traffic technology. If successful, this couldbe introduced in London and potentially more widely

across the UK. The trials are being carried out for TfL inWokingham to examine a range of suggestions such asDutch-style roundabouts and low-level cycle signals toassess their suitability for introduction on the UKsroads next year. During the trials, hundreds of cyclistsand drivers of different types of vehicles will be observedtravelling through different designs and configurationsof junctions and road layouts to see whether thechanges would help improve safety for all road users.

Cycling in the spotlightTransport bodies in London are looking for ways to prevent cyclists being injured or killed, with solutions

ranging from a crackdown on rogue HGV drivers and operators to proposals for banning HGVs from city

centres at busy times.

7/28/2019 R&S July 2013

12/64

Industry News


Freight rateshit new low

Average global freight rates have fallen to a 15month low, according to Drewrys new onlineContainer Freight Rate Insight.

Drewrys Global Freight Rate Index fell 12% inApril to reach its lowest level since February 2012,when container shipping was still recovering fromthe last ocean carrier price war.

The index, which is a weighted average offreight rates across the 600 trade routes covered byDrewrys Container Freight Rate Insight, reached anew low of $2,065 per 40ft and has fallen 18%since the start of the year.

The index was depressed by a fall in pricing onthe high volume trades from Asia to both Europeand North America, where average rates fell 12%

apiece across both trades in April.Over half of the 600 trade routes covered byDrewrys Container Freight Rate Insight recorded

falling rates in April. And pricing is now below lastyears levels on over one third of trade routes.

Drewry believes that until carriers take thenecessary action to correct capacity, freight rates

will remain under pressure, warned MartinDixon, research manager for freight ratebenchmarking at Drewry.

We reiterate our view that carriers will need toremove at least two service strings from the Asia -Europe trade for rates to recover.

Cloud milestonefor ONeilRecords centre specialists ONeil believe that cloudtechnology will present a unique opportunity forcompetitive advantage, for records centre ownersand managers who recognise and navigatethrough the markets changes faster and betterthan others.

As the adoption of cloud services continues to

expand at an ever increasing pace, ONeils newcloud service, known as oneilBridge, is noexception.

The service has quickly reached a milestone,with more than 500,000 items being managed in13 countries around the world.

Predicting the future is always an interestingand challenging proposition, especially when thetopic is as dynamic as technology. However, it doesappear that 2013 will be dominated by mobilecomputing, social technologies and clouddevelopments, said Ian Thomas, Executive VicePresident of ONeil.

The ONeil investment in cloud services

has quickly provided a tangible benefit to ourclients and their customers, as evidenced by the

worldwide use of our oneilBridge service.

The Committee requested a detailed breakdown of theGovernments accumulated debt on the Severn TollCrossings, in light of concerns over a steep and

unforeseen increase in the level of the debt. TheCommittee has been concerned that the level of debtwill delay or prevent the much needed reductions inthe level of the toll that the Committee has repeatedlycalled for.

The UK Government has said it will need to continuetolling after the bridges revert to public ownership torecover its own debts for building and maintaining theCrossings, but there has been tremendous uncertaintyabout the actual level of that debt. Traffic on theSevern Bridge and Second Severn Crossing in SouthWales represents almost a quarter of all road journeysbetween England and Wales.

The Committee renewed its calls for the Severn

Crossings tolls to be reduced when the Concession endsin 2018. David Davies MP, Chair of the Commons

Welsh Affairs Committee said we are pleased to hearthat the estimated debt is lower than we werepreviously told, and that the Government expects to

pay it off over a shorter time period. However, at 88m,it is still worryingly high, and there is still apparentlysome uncertainty over even this figure.

This Committee has repeatedly called for the levelof the tolls to be reduced or removed at the earliestopportunity and there is still no clear indication ofwhen that will happen. The tolls are detrimental to theWelsh economy, which depends on links across theborder, and there are negative side-effects such as thediversion of heavy traffic through smaller, residentialroads.

The focus of the Government should now be onproviding more clarity about its proposals and thetimetable for when the Crossings revert to public

ownership.

MPs say no to SevernCrossing tolls

The House of Commons Welsh Affairs Committee is calling for a quickreduction or abolition of Severn Crossings tolls.

Interdean prepare Rugby 7s eventThe team at Interdean are now preparing for theirannual charity Rugby 7s tournament, with all

proceeds going to Marie Curie Cancer Care.This is also a fun and very social day out for all

the family, as well as for participants in the rugby,with food, bar and beer tents throughout the day as

well as live music. This year, the tournament isbeing held at the Wasps training ground in Acton,London on Saturday 10 August and Interdean isbusy recruiting teams.

The event will include cup, plate and bowlcompetitions for up to 26 teams. The entry fee perteam is 100 thereafter. A team entry form can be

found at http://bit.ly/14HRXtx

7/28/2019 R&S July 2013

13/6413

Industry News


In a joint letter to the Parliamentary Under Secretaryof State for Transport, Stephen Hammond, theassociations raised the point that according to industryestimates there are more than 30,000 technicians inthe UK, and added that although they were aware thata few companies have taken the decision to include

these employees in their DCPC training programmes,they believed that the vast majority have not.The FTA and RHA said that for all transport

companies to achieve full compliance for their staff injust over one year would be a massive task and cost forthe industry and one that they believe will deliverrelatively little benefit to the freight industry.

Theo de Pencier, FTA Chief Executive said FTA feelsstrongly that the recent advice issued by the DfTrepresents an unreasonable reading of the Directive

which we believe will put undue burden on ourmembers and all businesses within the logistics sector.It also appears to run contrary to the Departmentsstated aim presented in the Logistics Growth Reviewand the Red Tape Challenge to reduce the regulatoryburdens placed on industry.

Geoff Dunning, RHA Chief Executive added RHAdoesnt think that the Directive was ever intended toinclude the same restrictions on technicians andmechanics carrying out these activities, and thefrequent reference to the profession of driver in therecital confirms to us that technicians, who are neitherprofessional drivers nor engaged in the carriage ofgoods, were not who the Commission had in mindwhen developing these requirements.

Skydiving forHelp for HeroesMairead Almandras of Britannia Sandersteads dida tandem skydive jump on 6th June with the Red

Devils (army parachute display team) at OldSarum Airfield near Salisbury for the Help forHeroes charity.

Mairead, who is 21 years old and works as theSales Coordinator for Britannia SandersteadsRemovals, said: Not only was I jumping forcharity, I was working with and jumping with thearmy guys themselves which made the wholeexperience and cause more fulfilling.

Britannia Sandersteads have donated to manycharities over the years and ever so recently Help

for Heroes. I think it was also more important thanever to help support the charity and the troops due

to the incident that happened a couple of weeksago where a soldier lost his life in Woolwich,London.

The skydive was from 13,000ft which consisted ofa 45 second free fall at a speed of 120mph and a5-minute descent to ground.

It is safe to say that this was the scariest yetthrilling experience of my whole life said Mairead,and I would recommend it to anyone and I amgrateful to have had the opportunity.

Mairead has raised 640 so far and although thejump is over, she still has another 3 months tocollect sponsorship. You can sponsor Mairead inany of the following ways:

sWWWJUSTGIVINGCOMMAIREADALMANDRAS

sTEXT@-!)2WITHTHEDONATEDAMOUNT to 70070

sWWWFACEBOOKCOMPAGES"RITANNIASanderstead-Removals

sWWWTWITTERCOMSANDERSTEADS

sEMAIL-AIREADDIRECTMAIREADSANDERSTEADScom with your details and donation amount

This is a really great cause and so Im trying

to spread the word and help in any way I can!

said Mairead.

New options for SME financing

The CBI is calling on small and medium-sizedenterprises (SMEs) to consider the broad range offinance options available to help them grow,including asset-based lending, equity investmentand peer-to-peer lending.

Launching a new alternative finance guide, Ripefor the picking, the CBI highlighted researchshowing that high-growth medium-sizedbusinesses could be worth up to an additional 20billion to the economy by 2020.

The CBI said that UK banks are the source of

nearly 80% of all credit to growing businesses,however the financial crisis has put the UK on anirreversible path to a new normal in financing.

Regulatory reform, balance sheet restructuring

and a more realistic pricing of risk, mean thattraditional bank debt will no longer be the rightfinance for all businesses, all of the time.

Katja Hall, CBI Chief Policy Director, said theUKs small and medium-sized businesses are thebackbone of our economy so ensuring they canaccess the capital they need to grow and create jobsis critical.

Banks will continue to be a vital source offinance but its not a one-size-fits-all solution, and

were encouraging growing firms to open their eyesto the broad range of funding options on themarket.

Growing businesses could look to corporateventuring, for example, or to issue retail bonds.Vince Cable, Secretary of State for Business, said

Britains businesses cannot grow, export andinnovate without proper access to bank credit. Butthey also need alternatives when looking forfinance, as a traditional bank loan might notalways be the answer.

The CBIs guide will help raise awareness of thedifferent types of finance available, and howalternative credit channels can introduce morecompetition to give SMEs choice.

The Government wants to see a shift in themarket structure towards non-bank lending, and

through the business bank is deploying 300m ofthe 1bn allocated to the initiative to investalongside the private sector in new entrants andthe growth of smaller lenders.

Trade bodies criticiseCPC for mechanicsThe Freight Transport Association (FTA) and Road Haulage Association

(RHA) have joined forces in voicing their deep concerns at the recent

advice issued by the Department for Transport (DfT) regarding garage

technicians and mechanics who drive heavy goods vehicles being

subject to statutory annual tests under the Driver CPC Directive.

7/28/2019 R&S July 2013

14/64

Industry News


Ford-Dunnsput in strongshowing

The Ford-Dunns, the Supermoto racing brothersfrom Murcia, have been in action again in thelatest round of the Valencian Supermotochampionship held at Villena in Alicante, Spain.

Both brothers qualified their Advance MovesInternational Removals Supermotoland SML450race bikes on the front row of the grid for the firstof their two races. In the first race, it was formerSpanish champion Israel Escalera who won, with

Anthony Ford-Dunn chasing hard in second placeand Anthonys older brother Mat Ford-Dunn in

fourth.Anthony knew that a good start was required in

the second race so that he could challenge Israelfor the lead and overall win. When the race startedthe pack charged into the first corner with the firstthree riders locked together as they all aimed for

the same part of the track. Anthony was caught inthe middle of the scrap and his bike was flickedinto the air sending him sliding down the road.Despite being winded and down for a lap Anthonyremounted on his rather second hand looking biketo mount a charge through the pack that took himback up to fifth.

Meanwhile after missing the first cornercarnage, Mat settled into second position with ahealthy lead over the riders behind him.

The brothers results from both races gave Matthe overall win in the SM Masters class and

Anthony a brave third position overall in thetougher SM Open category. With both brothers

never finishing off the podium in any of theirraces this year it looks like they are both lookingstrong for championship honours.

However, many businesses say that the newcontributions will hit their profits, with some beingforced to cut or freeze salaries.

1,327 members of the IoD responded to the surveybetween 16 and 26 January 2013. Of these, 98% saidthey were aware of the requirement to automaticallyenrol nearly all staff onto a pension scheme to whichthe employer had to contribute. This is a large risecompared to the last time the IoD asked the questionin 2011, when 20% said they were not aware of thelegislation.

Three-fifths (62%) of businesses said they wereconfident that they were prepared to enrol their staffwhen they hit their staging date, compared to 15%who were unconfident. Preparedness varied by size ofbusiness: 79% of directors of large companies (250+employees) said they were confident, while only 54%of those from small firms (0-49 employees) said thesame.

In 2011, 36% of businesses thought that more thana third of their staff would choose not to enrol in theworkplace pension scheme; by 2013, only 15% of

business still thought so. There remains significantuncertainty for small firms, however, with over a third(36%) saying they did not know how many of their

staff would choose to opt-out.Auto-enrolment imposes a new charge on employers

through the pension contributions, which will affecttheir profitability. Two-fifths (42%) of businesses saidthat they would have to meet the contributions out oftheir profits. A fifth (21%) said they would have tofreeze or cut salaries to find the money, and 3%reported that they would be forced to makeredundancies.

Malcolm Small, Senior Pensions Policy Adviser atthe IoD, said auto-enrolment is a new challenge forbusiness, both in terms of costs and logistics. Itspositive that nearly all businesses know that they willhave to set up a pension scheme for staff over the nextfew years, and that most feel ready for it. However, westill dont know how small firms are going to handlethe burden nearly half still feel unsure about theprocess, and many dont know if their staff are goingto drop out.

Employers prepare forauto-enrolment

In one of the first major surveys since the introduction of auto-enrolment in October 2012, a survey from the Institute of Directors

(IoD) shows there has been a significant increase in awareness

among employers.

Anthony Ford-Dunn (left) on the podium

7/28/2019 R&S July 2013

15/6415

Industry News


7/28/2019 R&S July 2013

16/64

Industry News


Shore Porters open new warehouseAberdeen-based removals and storage company TheShore Porters Society has opened a new 2m

warehouse in the citys harbour area.The building, the Bannermill Storage Facility, is

2.5 times the size of the Shore Porters warehouse itreplaces and will be used for commercial storage.

The company has previously only acquiredbuildings in Aberdeen, meaning this is the first timein its long history the company was established in1498 that the firm has carried out the demolitionand build of a brand new warehouse.

Banchory Contractors completed the one year

project, which as well as the demolition, involvedremoving asbestos, and constructing the newbuilding.Kevin Brown (pictured), a partner at Shore Porters,

said were excited to see our new, state-of-the-artBannermill Storage Facility completed and officiallyopen for business.

Located in the heart of Aberdeen close to the cityharbour the warehouse has the capacity to store animpressive 2,500 pallets, providing clients withunrivalled storage options.The 2m investment also demonstrates the growth

plans we have for Shore Porters and Ive no doubt thefacility will play a key role in our future success.

The Shore Porters Society has more than 515years experience, dealing with local, national

and international moves in a variety of sectorsincluding domestic, commercial, antiques, fine artand storage. The firm currently employ more than100 staff.

The UK must end funding and political delays over major infrastructure projects or jobs and long-term

growth will suffer, CBI Director-General John Cridland has said.

CBI slams Governmenton infrastructure delays

He said firms feel that investment for major transport,energy and digital schemes is on pause and thatdespite some progress, government, business andinvestors were caught in a frustrating cycle of waitingon each other.

Meanwhile, the Centre for Economics and BusinessResearch has estimated that the UKs GDP could be upto 5% higher if infrastructure matched that of overseascompetitors.

According to the CEBR, UK GDP could have been 5%higher, on average, each year between 2000 and 2010 ifour infrastructure was on the same level as that ofother leading global economies;

If we bring UK infrastructure up to the standard ofother developed economies, this could contribute

100bn to the economy annually by 2026 a 5% boostto GDP, the CEBR said. Simon Walker, DirectorGeneral of the Institute of Directors, said the UKs

infrastructure is in dire need of an upgrade, butGovernment dithering is holding back urgentimprovements. For schemes that need funding, capitalexpenditure has been cut too far, putting too much ofthe burden on users. Projects that should be ready togo are being held up in the planning system. Andgovernment indecision is preventing schemes thatdont need a penny of taxpayers money, such as athird runway at Heathrow, from going ahead

altogether.Mr Cridland at the CBI said the pace of progress

towards building the networks we desperately need istoo slow. After two years of encouraging policyannouncements, were simply not seeing the expectedflow of projects materialise. Despite some progress, toooften businesses and investors, and indeed governmentare still caught in a frustrating cycle of waiting oneach other.

Business welcomed last years Autumn Statementsshift from current to capital spend and the action inthe Budget on funding housing - but funding is onlyhalf the battle. Given that over three-quarters of theNational Infrastructure Plan will be funded by the

private sector, business needs government to makedecisions.

The message from companies is very clear: there isno shortage of capital available to invest in UK

infrastructure, just a shortage of suitable projects.Global investors are looking for a pipeline ofsufficiently large projects with the right risk profiles,but the UK is falling short on both project availabilityand how we sell the opportunities available.

Investors are waiting for contractors to initiateprojects, contractors are waiting for governmentdecisions, and ministers are trying to attract investors and everyone is frustrated.

7/28/2019 R&S July 2013

17/6417

Industry News


Despite the general downturn and difficult economicclimate, PHS Teacrate said it continues to prioritisesignificant investment in its operationalinfrastructure, whilst other suppliers appear to becutting back.

The new vehicles are fully liveried and featureEuro 5 fuel efficient engines. They also have purposebuilt bodies for maximum storage capacity,reversing camera technology and NAVMAN trackingsystems. The trucks are being deployed across PHSTeacrates national depot network, with branches inLondon, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol,Sunderland and Livingston.

Gordon Philip, General Manager at PHS Teacratesaid: we recognise that our commitment andability to make investments such as this strengthensour operational performance and ultimately theservice that we deliver to our customers.

PHS Teacrate adds to fleetBAR Affiliate crate rental specialist PHS Teacrate has invested in eight new

14 tonne Leyland DAF LF55 trucks.

Do you have any news to share with R&S readers?Send to:SBOETFEJUPSJBM!BOBMZUJDBNFEJBDPN

7/28/2019 R&S July 2013

18/64

Industry News


Deans Sponsor a winning causeTheres been something of a minor turnaround in thefortunes of Llanfairfechan Junior Footbal l Club sinceDeanes Removals started sponsoring their kit.

Prior to our involvement with the club their kitcomprised of anything that would fit and the resultswere dreadful, Alastair Deane says f rankly. Now in

the new kit, the results are still dreadful but at leastthey look better in defeat and they have now climbed toeighth in the table out of twelve. Next year, top spot!

Eco Movers acquires Wise MovesConsolidation is continuing within the industry, partly driven by largermultinationals looking for opportunities to grow in specific routes andspecialist sectors of the market.

Owned and funded by Cadogan Tate, Eco Movers has just completed theacquisition of fellow BAR Member Wise Moves, which specialises in shipping toSouth Africa. With the purchase, Eco Movers is aiming to break into the South

African shipping marketplace, particularly with a focus on car shipping to

Africa as a specialist service.Wise Moves Ltd was established in 2002 in London. Financial details of thetransaction were not disclosed.

No fear in PakistanBAR International Associate MemberHomepack Freight International hasrecently completed a nerve wrackingmove on one of the worlds mostdangerous roads, from Abbottabad

to the mountain resort of NathiaGali in Pakistan.Homepack carried out the

furniture shipment of two 20 footcontainers for United Energy Pakistan, to a newly built hilltop guest house inthe resort. Highly trained drivers and packers helped ensure a smooth deliveryin treacherous conditions, Homepack tells R&S.

Do you have any

news to share withR&S readers?Send to:SBOETFEJUPSJBM!BOBMZUJDBNFEJBDPN

7/28/2019 R&S July 2013

19/6419

Industry News


The team at Britannia Movers of Leeds playedtheir own small part in helping England wrap uptheir series win against New Zealand.

Sales manager Tim Allen says that Britanniawere asked by their client the Leeds Rhinos toclear the furniture from the hotel rooms andcorporate boxes in Headingley Lodge to make way

for entertaining the executives in the corporateboxes ahead of the second test.

All went extremely well and we can lookforward to carrying out further work there inSeptember and going forward into next year andbeyond, Tim reports.

England won the test by 247 runs, with localhero Joe Root scoring a maiden test century.

Tim Allen on the pitch at Headingley

Britannia Leeds get things ready atHeadingley

7/28/2019 R&S July 2013

20/64

Industry News


BAR International Associate, Celebrity International Movers, proved to be a great host for delegates to the

FIDI conference which took place in Athens, Greece.

Celebrity International hosts FIDIdelegates

More than 600 international delegates attended the62nd annual conference held this year at the Divani

Apollon Resort in Vouliagmeni. To showcase thebeauty of Greece and Greeces famous hospitality,Celebrity co-hosted a Mediterranean Night Event withseveral other FIDI Mediterranean country delegatecompanies. Celebrity also hosted its own event calledA Mythical Greek Night of Sea and Stars to welcometheir long standing agents and to thank all of the

partners they have worked with. The event was held inMicrolimano, a scenic fishing harbour known for its

vibrant nightlife.It was a rare opportunity to thank all of the

international partners weve worked with over the past28 years, said Kathy Chrisovergis, Managing Director.Our team was delighted to meet so many facesbehind the emails and phone calls. It was a time toshowcase our version of Greek hospitality.

More than 200 delegates attended and took part inGreek dancing, drank Greek wines and ouzo andsampled Greek food. During it all a few platessmashed as well!

The day after the Conference, cycling aficionadosfrom Celebrity International Movers, Interdean

Relocation Services, AMJ Campbell, New WorldInternational and Elliott Mobility participated in a

50km bike ride along the scenic sea road in the southof Athens. The destination was the ancientarchaeological site at Cape Sounion. A Celebrity truckstocked with water and Gatorade carefully followedand was available to save those who couldnt makeit up the hills!

At the end of the group relaxed with Greek iced coffeesand Greek salads at Sounion before entering theancient grounds of the Temple of Poseidon. The

conference proved to be a great success helping us tostrengthen industry relationships and make new

ones, Kathy Chrisovergis said. Even though timesare tough in Greece, there is a need for top qualityservices and our worldwide partners need to guaranteethat kind of service when they relocate their clients toGreece.

The conference was also an opportunity toshowcase Athens and Greece to our internationalcolleagues and partners. They were truly impressed byGreeces beauty and culture with the intention to

return again. Thats great for our industry and fortourism in Greece.

A 50 km bike ride along the scenic sea road in the south of Athens, to the ancien t archeological si te at Cape Sounion

7/28/2019 R&S July 2013

21/6421

Industry News


House prices rise, activity still mutedHouse prices continue to record an excellent start to 2013, especially in southern England, but for the

removals industry it is a concern that these price rises are being driven by cheap money and restricted

supply rather than by a spike in demand.

With a new national average asking price record of249,814 in May, as new sellers raise prices by 2.1%(+5,135) Rightmove said that this is the strongest

price start to a year since the glory days of 2004.London, the South East and East Anglia have also hit

all-time highs, with buyers in the capital facing newsellers average asking prices in excess of 500,000 forthe first time.

However, Miles Shipside, director and housingmarket analyst at Rightmove, cautioned despite a

new national record, its not green-shoots of recoveryacross the board, especially for the deposit-strappedmass-market. They must wait patiently until January

when the Help to Buy scheme extends to the resalemarket, unless new homes developers can increasebuilding dramatically this year.

Pent-up demand is still being frustrated by therestricted supply of fresh property.

Rightmove has recorded 3% fewer properties coming tomarket when comparing the first five months of 2013 tothose of 2012. This has resulted in upwards pressure onhouse prices.

Figures from the Land Registryfor April show an annual

price increase of 0.7% which takes the average propertyvalue in England and Wales to 161,458. The monthlychange from March to April shows an increase of 0.4%.

However, the most up-to-date figures available showthat during February 2013, the number of completedhouse sales in England and Wales decreased by 3% to

43,573 compared with 44,829 in February 2012.According to the Office for National Statistics, in the 12months to March 2013 UK house prices increased by2.7%, up from a 1.9% increase in the 12 months toFebruary 2013.

The year-on-year increase reflected rises of 3.0% inEngland and 1.2% in Wales, which were offset by declinesof 1.7% in Scotland and 2.0% in Northern Ireland.

Annual house price increases in England were driven

by a 7.6% rise in London and a 3.3% increase in theSouth East. Excluding London and the South East, UKhouse prices increased by 0.6% in the 12 months toMarch 2013.

LSL Acadametrics estimated that sale volumes fell by 5%from March to April. April sales volumes were 18%higher than in April 2012, but this was distorted by theend of the stamp duty holiday last year as buyers rushedto complete transactions in March.

Acadametrics chairman Peter Williams said taking thefirst four months of 2013 and comparing to the first fourmonths of 2012, our current estimates suggest that 2013is a marginal 0.2% (equivalent to approximately 500

homes) ahead on the number of properties that havebeen sold to date.

The increase in housing completions experiencedduring the summer months usually starts in May andcontinues through to July: hence we can anticipate seeinga rise in transaction numbers from next month

onwards. Most estate agents would advise that a lack ofavailable mortgage finance is holding the market back

from returning to anything close to 2007 transactionlevels. Nevertheless, there are signs that the situation isslowly improving, with an easing of credit restrictions asis evidenced by the steady rise in the number of higherloan-to-value (LTV) loan products on the market.

According to Halifax, house prices increased by 1.1% inApril. This followed rises of 0.5% in February and 0.4%

in March.The number of mortgage approvals for housepurchases a leading indicator of completed house sales increased by 3% between February and March followingtwo successive monthly falls.

Nationwide estimated that the price of a typical homeincreased by 0.4% in May and was 1.1% higher than inMay 2012. It said that the number of mortgage approvalsin the first quarter of 2013 was 4% above last yearsmonthly average.

Chief Economist Robert Gardner said widespreadexpectations that the economy will continue to recovergradually in the quarters ahead, that interest rates will

remain low, and the on-going impact of policy measuresaimed at supporting the availability and lowering thecost of credit, all provide reasons for optimism thatactivity will continue to gain momentum in the quartersahead.

7/28/2019 R&S July 2013

22/64

7/28/2019 R&S July 2013

23/6423

Industry News


7/28/2019 R&S July 2013

24/6424

BAR News


Membership Subscriptions politereminder to pay!BAR is reminding all Members that annual subscriptions were due for renewal on 1st July 2013.

Many thanks to all those of you who have already paid!

Invoices will be sent electronically during the first weekof July for those whose payments have already beenreceived. As this will be a bulk emailing yourcompanys anti-spam software may send this to yourbulk/spam/junk email box, so BAR asks that you checkthese boxes for receipt of the invoice.

BAR asks that all Members check their details on the

membership database to ensure they are up to date,particularly in terms of the number of branches andcontact details.

For those who have been paying subscriptions bydirect debit BAR will assume you will continue to payby this method unless you notify Watford otherwise.

Please contact BAR by email if you would like this

changed.Invoicing and other accounts enquiries should be

EMAILEDTOACCOUNTSBARCOUKORCONTACTTHETEAMON01923 699 480.

BAR leads industryon consumer protection

BAR attended the launch in mid-June of the new UK-wide scheme to strengthen industry self-regulation, and is oneof the inaugural trade bodies sponsoring the new Consumer Codes Approval Scheme.

The scheme aims to give customers greater confidencein trade associations and business organisations thatoperate codes of practice. Consumer Minister JoSwinson has given the Governments official backingto the scheme, saying it will be a real boost forempowering consumers and helping drive economicgrowth.

The British Association of Removers TSI ConsumerCode of Practice, which came into force from 1 April, isthe only code in the moving industry that has been

approved and monitored by the Trading StandardsInstitute (TSI).

Stephen Vickers, BAR Director General said: BAR isat the forefront of promoting quality and standards,consumer protection and developing alternativedispute resolutions. The BAR TSI Code of Practiceallows consumers to make an informed choice whilst

providing confidence and peace of mind that comesfrom using a reputable, professional BAR Member.

(BJOJOHDPOTVNFSDPOmEFODFThe Consumer Codes Approval Scheme, set up by theTSI, was formally launched at the Consumer Affairsand Trading Standards Conference and Exhibition lastmonth which was attended by more than 1,500delegates. Baroness Christine Crawley, TSI president,and Leon Livermore, TSI chief executive presentedeach of the code sponsors with their certificates tomark the occasion.

Under the Scheme, which replaces the Office of FairTrading scheme, industry sectors are required to offerenhanced consumer protection, including offeringombudsman or arbitration to resolve disputes,

protecting customer deposits and respecting consumersin their own home.

The Minister for Employment Relations, Consumerand Postal Affairs, Jo Swinson, who formally welcomed

the code during her speech to the Conference, met with

BAR and each of the other 8 Code Sponsors and thelaunch was also attended by prospective code sponsors.

In her speech, the Minister explained that in early2012, TSI was asked to rethink the Codes ApprovalScheme, making it easier to access, but no less robustin its measures. At the same time, the Governmentsbrief was to make the benefits to business clear so thatit was worthwhile for business to invest in the scheme.

I have no doubt that most businesses actresponsibly and want to serve their customers well,yielding the growth that consumer confidence in theirbusiness brings.

I want to encourage all sectors of industry to realisethese rewards and participate in the scheme,particularly in areas where consumer confidence ishistorically low she said.

Supporting TSI in their work to ensure a tidylandscape and clear signposts that makes sense forconsumers, she concluded that we now need to senda message out to consumers that there are honestbusinesses who are raising their game and rebuilding

our economy.

Inaugural trade bodies sponsoring the new codeinclude: British Association of Removers, The CarpetFoundation and Vehicle Builders Repairers AssociationLtd.

Consumers will be able to look for the TSI ApprovedCode logo, or search a dedicated database at

www.tradingstandards.gov.uk, for a member of anapproved code in their area.

As part of the consumer launch, TSI Chief ExecutiveLeon Livermore stressed: The Government recognises

the importance of this new scheme, which comes withan important sting in the tail.

We will be reinforcing the fact that failure for anytrader to comply with an industry code, whose logothey display, is a criminal offence for which they couldface fines or imprisonment.

BAR also has in place a dedicated removals industrycustomer feedback website www.trustedmover.org which supports the effectiveness of the new Code.

In addition, it has been trialling a new independentconciliation service to resolve customer complaintsmore quickly and outside of the courts.

Stephen Vickers, Director General, BAR was presented aCertificate of Approval of the BAR TSI Consumer Code ofPractice.

Jo Swinson, Minister for Employment Relations,

speaking at the TSI Conference

7/28/2019 R&S July 2013

25/64

7/28/2019 R&S July 2013

26/6426

Features


Follow the Fleet

With prices for a brand new 18 tonne five containervan ranging up to a cool 90,000, investing in a newvehicle is never a decision taken lightly at anyremovals firm.

Choosing suppliers for chasses and bodies is acomplex equation, in which companies have tobalance factors such as volume, capital cost,manoeuvrability, durability, emission standards andservice support, as well as more subjective issues suchas looks, comfort and the relationship withmanufacturers and dealers.

In recent years, the fuel efficiency of both the chassisand the body has also become a critical factor in theinvestment decision.

Every removal firm has its own personal preferenceswhen it comes to choosing between rigids, artics,demountables, road trains and all the other options forremoval vans.

In the not too distant future, the buying decisionis going to become ever more complex, as newtechnologies and European legislation add to thechoices available and the rules to abide by. Evensome recent models may become obsolete soonerthan you think.

The good news is that these developments arelikely to result in larger and/or more efficient removals

vehicles, helping BAR Members expand their marginsand provide an ever better service to their clients.

0OZPVSNBSRVFT

Opinion is divided on whether it is best to stick withjust one supplier of trucks, which may result in lowermaintenance costs, a closer relationship with themanufacturer and the dealer and even discounts, or todiversify among a wider range of truck manufacturersand build a fleet that can meet all requirements.

Rob Bartup at GB Liners used to belong to the firstcamp, buying almost exclusively from DAF, from 7.5tonners to road trains.

We found them to be fair on price, okay onreliability and service cost. The service from our localdealer and from the manufacturer has been good,Rob explains.

However, in recent years we have faced the problemthat I suspect many others have, we really need athree man cab as a minimum on the larger vehiclesand the larger DAF vehicles have really been two mancabs.

After hearing good reports about MANs from White &Company, Rob decided to put three MANs on the road.

He has been so pleased by the fuel performance of theMANs that he has now got three more on order.We havent stopped buying DAF vehicles and we

currently have some of those on order as well but weare picking now more horses for courses rather thanjust specifying everything as DAF, Rob says.

(FUBTBTTZDIBTTJT

Sadly, there are now no British names among the mostpopular chassis cab manufacturers, which includeScania, MAN, DAF, Volvo, Renault and Mercedes Benz.

But all of these companies have a major presence inthe UK market, and it remains a high priority for themto work with their clients to make sure they have theright specialist vehicles that they need. They continue

to invest heavily in both technology and service.We have an in-house team of sales engineeringspecialists who work in close conjunction withoperators and bodybuilders to design removals trucks

which are truly fit for purpose, says Martin Hay, UKTruck Sales Director for Scania (Great Britain)Limited. As an example here, Scania sleeper cabdrawbar removal trucks with paycubes of up to 4,000cubic feet have been constructed for internationalmovers.

We all know that moving home is regarded as beingamong the most stressful things we encounter in life,so it is important that removals operators consider

their customers needs and wellbeing when selecting anew vehicle.

Martin says that when choosing a vehicle, paycube isof course an important factor. Low-chassis heights areessential if the carriage space is to be maximised,he adds. As to be expected from someone at Scania,

Martin says that removals firms also need to focus onservice support meaning a high quality marque withservice cover nationwide and, in the case ofinternational movers, abroad too.

Another consideration well worth bearing in mindis durability, as removals vehicles often enjoy longin-service lives, Martin adds.

This reinforces the view that premium quality

trucks are always going to make the best removalsvehicles in the long run. And when the time to selleventually does arrive, I am delighted to be able to

point at Scanias residual values, which areconsistently the best in the business!

'VFMFGmDJFODZAlong with capital cost and volume, fuel efficiency isanother major factor when it comes to choosing a newchassis, and one that is now increasing in importance.

Bill Webb of Webbs International in Mallorcaremembers the stick he came in for from the industry

when he bought his first ever brand new removal truck,

which came with an aerodynamic fibreglass roundedLuton head from a well-known company whichmainly fitted the head to their horsebox models.

Everybody else was having the slab fronted body, butit made sense thirty years ago and it still does today,Bill says. Its interesting that with fuel prices being so

A removal firms fleet of vehicles is one of its most valuable assets. Choosing which vehicles to acquire is

a decision that seems to become more difficult every year. R&Sspoke to BAR Members and manufacturers

to find out what they are looking for from their new vehicles and what they are buying now.

7/28/2019 R&S July 2013

27/64July 2013 Removals & Storage 27

Features

high and margins tight, a few of the bigger companiesare now having their vehicles fitted with far betteraerodynamics. Gone are the days of rally lights andtelecom towers!

#PEZCVJMEJOH

While British manufacturers have exited the chassismarket, British coachbuilders such as Unique VanBodies continue to provide a valuable bespoke service toBAR Members.

Usually, if ordered new, the purchaser will order theappropriate chassis cab from the vehicle manufacturerand have it delivered direct to the coachbuilder to havethe appropriate body fitted and signwritten, Ian Palmerat White and Company explains.

There is a wide variety of choice in the bodyworkmarket, and as with the cabs themselves many removalscompanies choose to make life simpler by sticking toone type of construction.

Rob Bartup at GB Liners, which owns Unique VanBodies, recommends investing a little bit more infibreglass bodies rather than using GRP panelled

vehicles, which he says suffer from rust and soonneed repainting.

The fibreglass body is much lighter, keeps itsappearance for much longer and it is pretty easy torepair when you get accident damage, Rob argues.It is generally a more expensive product than GRP

panelled vans in terms of capital cost, but we think thatin terms of lifetime cost, it probably works out cheaper.

We have also found that GRP bodies are muchheavier and it is almost impossible to build a 7.5 tonner

successfully with that type of material without

sacrificing so much payload that the vehicle becomesuseless, Rob adds.In addition, fibreglass makes for amore fuel efficient ride. UVB and other coachbuildershave also introduced aerodynamic boat tails, to improve

fuel efficiency even more, as well as giving the bodies amore modern look.

Matt Bruce, sales manager at Roadload, says thecompany manufactures its bodies in the UK from fullyrecyclable lightweight polypropylene composite panels,

which are plastic welded to a very high standard,making for a superlight, watertight body, achievingthe highest payload Luton van box bodies in the UK.

Payload is key for the removals and storage industry,and large volumes are very well regarded, Matt says.

Roadloads 5,000 kg GVW range offers payloads upto 2,500kg and 1,571 cubic feet, depending on the bodyspecification and any added options. Matt says thisrange is very good value, not only because of its payload,but because the cost is notably less than a 7.5 tonne

truck and also because the vehicles have the servicingand running costs of a van. In a recent trial with aRoadload customer, they returned 27.1 miles to thegallon in a working week.

Of course, body manufacturers such as Roadloadand UVB dont only offer standard boxes, but thriveon tailoring bespoke bodies depending on customerrequirements and specialities, such as antiques andfine art.

Due to the flexibility of the substrate and themanufacturing process used, the client can, and oftendoes, have a bespoke box designed and built for them,Matt says. A variety of bespoke ramps are also available

throughout the range.

7PMWPSFOFXT&VSPQFBOUSVDLSBOHF

Volvo Trucks has said it has completed the renewal of itsEuropean truck range, launching five new models sinceSeptember 2012, when it launched the new Volvo FH,

followed this year by the introduction of the new VolvoFM, Volvo FMX, Volvo FE and Volvo FL.

This has been one of the most intensive and excitingperiods in our history. With the most modern and high-tech Volvo line-up ever, we now have an outstandingability to help customers in all segments to improvetheir productivity and profitability, said Claes Nilsson,President of Volvo Trucks.

The visual Volvo family ties are now stronger thanever between the most powerful truck, the Volvo FH16,and its smaller siblings. Volvos classic iron mark hasbeen moved up to a new position below the windscreenon all models. The new headlamps with their distinctivedaytime running lights also emphasise the uniformlook.

All cab environments have been renewed or upgradedwith the focus on creating an effective, ergonomic,comfortable and safe workplace.

The working conditions of the truck driver are alwaysin firm focus when we develop new trucks. Thegroundbreaking Volvo Dynamic Steering is an excellentexample of how we make driving more effortless, andthe Individual Front Suspension, a world-first on heavytrucks, improves both comfort and stability, Nilssonsaid.

Volvo Trucks has also introduced new innovativetechnologies and new services designed to reduce thecustomers transport costs.

Among the fuel-saving features and services availableto Volvo drivers are Dynafleet Fuel & Environment, theFuel Advice service and the Efficient Driving trainingcourse. In addition, the highly appreciated automatedI-Shift transmission, which can be customised for anumber of specific applications and helps reduce fuelconsumption, is now available not only for Volvo FH,

Volvo FM, Volvo FMX, but also for Volvo FE.One of the foremost new features for fuel saving is

I-See, which can be compared to an autopilot that takescare of gear selection, acceleration and engine brakingon hills in the most fuel-efficient way possible.

The first time a truck equipped with the latest version

of I-See drives on a hilly stretch of road, informationabout the local topography is transmitted wirelessly tothe Volvo Trucks server. When another truck with I-Seedrives on the same road, the system automaticallyreceives topography information from the server andmakes sure gear-changes, acceleration and braking take

place fuel-efficiently the very first time it traverses thisroad. The fuel saving for the long-haul assignment maybe as much as 5%, Volvo says.

-PPLJOHGPSXBSEAs if the decisions required when buying a removalsvehicle werent difficult enough already, the future looks

set to bring even more choice, in particular in terms ofsize and fuel.

Over the coming years, trucks that run on natural gas,biofuels or even electricity seem likely to become acommon sight on our roads.

7/28/2019 R&S July 2013

28/6428

Features


Lorries could be about to get a lot larger too. TheEuropean Commission has approved controversialcross-border tests of HGVs of up to 60 tonnes in

weight and 25 metres long.Although just how suitable these monsters will be

for removals firms is still a matter of speculation,they clearly have the potential to generate majorgains in efficiency as well as environmental benefits.

And the trend for larger vehicles is here to stay.Such is the demand for greater volume that one

BAR Member, Schepens Removals of Salisbury, iscurrently considering purchasing an articulated

vehicle to meet the ever increasing need for a vehiclethat is capable of carrying over 2,500 cubic feet.

However Chris Schepens believes that the wayforward for the removals industry is to operate 15metre rigid vehicles, which are already allowed to beused by the passenger transport sector.

People seem to be able to fit an astonishingamount of furniture and effects into your average3-bedroomed semi these days, Chris says.

We currently have two 2,500 cubic feet vehicleswhich only the most experienced crew will manage tosqueeze 2,250-2,300 cubic feet on.

This means that you put a smaller vehicle on thejob and another driver to take the residue. Thisdoesnt really pose too much of a problem when youare operating locally but once you start goingdistance it drives the costs sky high, not to mentionthe environmental implications.

I know the answer to this is to invest in a wagon

and drag or an articulated vehicle but even then youdont really gain that much more in the way of

volume. I believe that with a step-framed trailer themaximum you are likely to fit on is 3,100 cubic feet,and with a wagon and drag 3,300 cubic feet.

As Chris explains, the volume of a 15 metre rigidvehicle is likely to be similar to that of an articulatedvehicle, and would probably be just as manoeuvrable,provided it was fitted with a rear steer axial. Thebenefits of this would be not only be reducedmaintenance costs compared to an articulate

vehicle, but also a reduced road fund licence andbetter fuel economy.

I see no reason why we to shouldnt be able tooperate this length of vehicle, after all the 15 metrebuses are carrying a much more precious cargo thanthe trucks! Chris says.

In the UK, the Department for Transport is alreadyconducting a trial of longer semi-trailers, which willrun for up to 10 years. And as R&S reports elsewherethis issue, as well as approving tests of 25 metre

vehicles, the European Commission is also proposingnew rules for lorries, including allowingmanufacturers to design truck cabins with a roundedshape and to equip vehicles with aerodynamic flapsat the back of the trailer.

With all these developments, it looks as if the paceof change and innovation in cabs and bodywork isabout to accelerate, giving removal companies evenmore options and ensuring lively discussions betweenMembers for many years to come!

Have you invested in newvehicles for your fleet?

Share it with R&S readers.Send to:SBOETFEJUPSJBM!BOBMZUJDBNFEJBDPN

7/28/2019 R&S July 2013


BAR News

7/28/2019 R&S July 2013

30/6430

BAR News


BAR Services

Helping you towards asafer working environmentWith over 25 years experience within the removal industry, BAR Services is renowned for its range and

quality of corrugated cases. But did you also know that it also holds a complete range of high quality,

no-nonsense material handling equipment?

BAR Services prides itself on its range of specialistequipment that has been designed to get the job donemore quickly and easily thus reducing unnecessaryman hours.

The use of handling equipment is a must on aremoval. By simply replacing manual lifting andcarrying with material handling equipment, removalcompanies can comply with health and safetylegislation thereby reducing the risk of costly injuryand possible litigation by providing a safer workingenvironment. According to Miranda Hyder, BARServices General Manager, removal companiesshouldnt underestimate the importance of goodquality, heavy duty handling equipment Withremoval companies having to adhere to strict healthand safety legislation that is forever changing, manyof these trucks can help reduce accidents in the work

place that are often incurred through manualcarrying.

Every year, handling equipment is in the BarServices 20 top selling products and is a large part ofits comprehensive packaging range, so here is somehandy information about a few of its key sellers. If you

are just setting out in the removal business these are amust on your tick list!

2VJMUFE$PWFSTDefinitely one of BAR Services best sellers! Extensivelytested by the membership, BAR Services offers a broadrange of quilted covers from suite covers to plasmascreen covers. Each quilted cover is made of a highquality and durable material with 4 oz nylon outerand can be easily fastened using 38mm webbingstraps with ladder lock buckles. Not only do the covers

provide optimum protection but they are alsoreusable. By using one of these quilted covers, not only

will you be helping the environment by using less

plastic and paper but you will also be helping to saveyourself money. You can save yourself further, byordering the 3 in 1 TV cover which will encompass allsizes of flat screen TV. This negates the need to buythree separate sizes. Manufactured in the UK, these

high quality reusable covers are available in navyblue, royal blue, red, green and black and your logocan be applied to help identify your company.Read on further for details of BAR Services new quilted

picture/mirror cover which is Julys Product of theMonth.4BDL5SVDLThis product is the mostcommonly utilised truck in theindustry. The sack truck is a heavyduty option which is versatile,reliable and capable of carrying a

weight of up to 350kg. Availablewith either a 9 or a 12 foot, thetruck can also be ordered with

pneumatic tyres which improvemanoeuvrability.&YQSFTTP5SVDLSuperbly light, this hand truckis an innovative productoffering an ergonomic shape

for ease of handling. The truckalso comes complete withnylon skids to make stairclimbing possible. Its highback and solid rubber wheelscontribute to its carryingcapacity of 300kg.4QJEFS5SVDLThe ingenious action of itsrotating three axle wheelsensure that this purpose builttruck makes stair climbing abreeze. Suitable for loads of up

to 200lbs, the truck comescomplete with a nylon strap toensure going up and comingdown stairs is no longer anarduous task.

%PMMZ5SVDLThe good old, trustyindustry favourite! Thisliterally is a platform on

wheels making movingawkward and heavyitems easier and safer.The rubber topped dolly is the standard product usedby the removal industry and has a carrying capacity of300 kgs.

2VJMUFE$PWFSTExtensively tested by themembership, BAR Servicesoffers an extensive range ofquilted covers from suitecovers to plasma screencovers. Each quilted cover ismade of a high quality anddurable material with 4 oznylon outer and can be easily

fastened using 38mm webbing straps with ladder lockbuckles. Not only do the covers provide optimum

protection but they are also reusable. By using one ofthese quilted covers, you will be helping theenvironment by using less plastic and paper, andhelping to save yourself money. You can save yourself

further, by ordering the 3 in 1 TV cover which willencompass all sizes of flat screen TV. This negates theneed to buy three separate sizes. Manufactured in theUK, these high quality reusable covers are available innavy blue, royal blue, red, green and black and yourlogo can be applied to help identify your company.

The above products are just a small tasterof the complete range available fromBAR Services. To view all of the material

handling equipment that is available,simply log on to XXXCBSTFSWJDFTDPVLand select handling or alternatively callthe sales team on or email TBMFT!CBSTFSWJDFTDPVL

BAR Services

Product of the month: Quilted Mirror and Picture CoversAre you keen to save s whilst protecting theenvironment at the same time? Always keen tosource new and innovative products, BAR Servicesrecently introduced its new quilted cover for picturesand mirrors which will not only protect yourcustomers possessions but also protect your pocket.Each quilted cover is made of a high quality anddurable material with nylon outer and can be easily

fastened using the top-loading zip. The cover size is1100 x 250 x 800mm and extra protection is

ensured by the sturdy boards in the front and in theback. It has internal dividers which means up tothree pictures or mirrors can be held at any onetime.

It is available in red, navy, royal blue, green orblack in order to suit your company colours.Manufactured in the UK, not only do the covers

provide optimum protection but they are alsoreusable. This saves you money by negating theneed for air bubble film, paper and tape, and they

are also environmentally friendly. It should alsohelp you to avoid unnecessary and costly insuranceclaims. Happy you and happy customer! The bestnews is that BAR Services is continuing its specialconference price of 71.00 per cover until 31 July2013. For further information on the new picture/mirror cover or on the full range of quilted coversavailable, please contact our sales team on01342 870087 or alternatively please feel free toEMAILSALESBARSERVICESCOUK

7/28/2019 R&S July 2013


BAR News

7/28/2019 R&S July 2013

32/6432

Features


7/28/2019 R&S July 2013


Features

7/28/2019 R&S July 2013

34/6434

BAR News


CMG News

The Commercial Moving Group (CMG) is a dedicated group of companies

within the British Association of Removers that specialise in all aspects

of commercial relocations.

CMG Seminar & Golf Day 2013The 2013 CMG Seminar & Golf Day will

r&s july 2013

Documents