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

During a recent visit to MDS DISTRIBUTION , one of the RHA’s longest-serving members, Rhys Williams CMILT saw first-hand the company’s latest investment in sustainable transport. MDS has introduced a new 42-tonne electric Volvo tractor unit for farm milk collections across Pembrokeshire and West Wales, alongside new HGV EV charging infrastructure at its Llanfyrnach headquarters and Letterston depot, supported through the UK Government’s HGV EV Charging Grant Scheme. A great example of a member investing in the future of road transport. #RHAMembership #ElectricHGV #NetZero #RoadTransport

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.

Thanks to our members who joined us in #Bicester last night for our latest RHA spring briefing. Bringing our members together gives us an opportunity to update on all the latest regional and national developments – and how we’re supporting haulage, coach and van operators. It also means we’re able to better understand how the Middle East crisis is affecting operators as we campaign for the Government to cut fuel duty, and introduce other measures to protect businesses. We also heard from our legal partners, @backhousejones, who shared practical insights on creating a strong and positive employment journey. And @RHAInsurance updated us on the current transport insurance landscape. There are 15 more briefings planned in this series with the next one taking place on Monday evening (23 March) in #Bridgend. You can find details of your nearest member briefing here: rha.uk.net/Events/Member-Bri…

Great to be in Llandrindod Wells, celebrating @RHANews member, @aegoughandsons 100th Anniversary, such an amazing achievement & a special night, thank you to Michael and family, for inviting us to share such a special night. #100years #LlandrindodWells #Welshhaulier #roadhaulage

We’re at the largest-ever JD UP careers event in Manchester this week — welcoming 10,000 students to explore 28 departments across the JD business. From interactive zones and hands-on experiences to sessions with senior leaders and industry voices, it’s a brilliant example of how to open up career pathways and make opportunity tangible. Events like this show what can happen when businesses invest at scale in young people and social mobility. Great energy, great ambition — and an important conversation about the future workforce. #JDUP #Careers #YouthEmployment #SocialMobility

Today’s announcement of significant investment in rail infrastructure in #Wales will be a boost to commuters and businesses. But the Welsh Government has repeatedly missed the opportunity to show similar commitment to roads. Moving people and goods efficiently is vital to Wales PLC and we continue to campaign for transformational investment in a road network that’s in dire need of improvement. A resilient road network is essential for moving goods and coach passengers reliably supporting manufacturing, boosting tourism, and safeguarding jobs in some of Wales's poorest communities. The M4 is the main trade route into South Wales yet remains a bottleneck, adding avoidable time to journeys which hampers business. Similarly in the north, investing in the A55 and constructing a third Menai Strait crossing would improve connectivity and boost the economy. Investing in rail is good but it must be done in conjunction with a similar commitment to improving our roads if we’re to make Wales truly competitive. gov.uk/government/news/prime… #RHAInfrastructure

25 years today, my father passed away, my father, best friend and mentor, the man that introduced and inspired me to join the haulage industry, missed every day. This was Dad with his Guy Big J lorry when he drove for Aston Clinton Haulage (ACH) 💙#memories #haulage

We’ve launched the @RHANews Van Standard – best-practice guidance built around the real-world pressures facing van operators. For operators who want ongoing support, the RHA also offers van membership, giving access to expert advice, training, legal services and representation. Download the Van Standard here – its free to all: rha.uk.net/Portals/0/News/RH… #RHACostsAndRegulation #VanOperators #Compliance

Our new EV van is highlighting the lack of Van EV charging infrastructure, while improving all the time for cars, unfortunately, with a large van, the EV charge points availability are a real challenge.

Great evening at the first @TAForum Parliamentary Reception last night. We had some excellent conversations with over 100 trade association representatives, Lords, MPs and Ministers about the role and relevance of trade associations. In today’s environment they are more important than ever, providing clear, considered and evidence-based input from the sectors they represent. We look forward to continuing to develop TAF. Yesterday also marked the launch of the MOU with the @CBItweets, which is a significant step forward. It was great to see Henry Aldridge at the event, and thank you for your continued support. #Collaboration

Exactly this, the Welsh road network is simply not fit for purpose

Great to be dialling in to the Council today and a warm welcome to Geraint Davies, joining for his first Midlands, Western & Wales Regional Council meeting since coming on board at the @RHANews. It was a valuable discussion with members on the key issues shaping the road transport sector across the region. Today’s agenda reflected the breadth of challenges and opportunities facing operators right now, including: • Decarbonisation and what it means in practice for fleets and investment decisions • Skills and workforce, including the importance of building talent pipelines such as the RHA Graduate Scheme • A Public Affairs & Policy update, including the latest position on the Employment Bill As always, members were clear and constructive about the issues they face and what needs to change. Their insight is essential in ensuring the coach, HGV and van sectors are properly represented with government, stakeholders and partners — and that we continue working together to support economic growth, resilience and sustainability. #RoadTransport #Logistics #Haulage #Coach #HGV #Vans

Happy New Year, wishing everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous 2026! #HappyNewYear2026

Well worth a listen, very informative

A brilliant evening in Harrogate for our 72nd Annual Northern Dinner Dance - and a lovely way to start the festive season. The event is always a chance for our HGV, coach and van community to get together, catch up, and enjoy a great night in a beautiful setting. But at the heart of the evening is something simple and important: supporting the RHA Benevolent Fund. Thanks to the raffles, auctions and donations on the night, all helping to provide quiet, practical help to people in our industry when life takes an unexpected turn. Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed. Your support helps us look after our own, and that’s something to be proud of. Here’s to a great evening - and to the start of the Christmas celebrations.

Pleased to announce the appointment of Geraint Davies as its new UK Director of Partnerships from January. Geraint brings more than 27 years’ experience in the road transport and logistics industry, including senior roles with John Raymond Transport, Sopra Steria (FORS) and the Construction Logistics and Community Safety (CLOCS) Board. In this new role, Geraint will lead our partnership and engagement strategy – building strong relationships with members, industry stakeholders, government and education partners to drive collaboration and create opportunities that deliver lasting value for our sector. This appointment reflects our commitment to the values that guide everything we do at the @RHANews – being Collaborative, a Trusted Partner, and Supportive, while ensuring Quality, Relevance and Knowledge remain at the heart of how we serve our members and the wider road transport community.