Confusion among hauliers involved in moving goods from Great Britain to Northern Ireland under the so-called Windsor framework has prompted the RHA to demand the government provides clarity.
The business group said feedback from members revealed it was unclear how the process for moving goods from the EU to Great Britain via Northern Ireland would be different for goods from Northern Ireland to Great Britain.
Hauliers are increasingly concerned that the arrangements do not reduce bureaucracy or work in real-time conditions.
The trading agreement, which reformed the Protocol, was intended to end checks and paperwork on goods destined for NI.
Initially, hauliers supported the new deal and said it brought certainty to trading arrangements.
But the RHA said members now wanted guidance on key issues, including the trusted trader scheme; green and red lanes and goods moving between NI and GB.
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It said many firms thought the ‘green lane’ was complicated and burdensome – and primarily designed for moving retail goods and goods for small companies, both with end consumption in Northern Ireland.
In addition, the ‘red lane’ appeared to be bureaucratic, with all goods subject to full customs and border controls up front – including goods destined for Northern Ireland.
“We’ve consulted with our members and studied the practical workings of the Windsor Framework on our sector and the Northern Ireland economy,” said RHA MD Richard Smith.
“Our members are increasingly concerned that it's still not clear how the arrangements would reduce bureaucracy and work in real-time conditions.
“We urge ministers to work with us and other stakeholders to make new arrangements as fluid as possible to protect our supply chains.”
The RHA, the Association of Pallet Networks and the British Association of Removers have co-signed a letter to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris.
