Hauliers offered free workshops to help prepare for a no-deal Brexit

Spaces are still available on a DfT-funded series of workshops aimed at helping hauliers prepare for a no-deal Brexit.

Hosted by FTA, the free half-day workshops were launched this month and will continue through October in venues including Warrington, Leamington Spa, Stirling and Belfast.

FTA international transport and trade procedures manager John Lucy said: “With the UK and EU yet to reach an agreement on their future trading relationship, it is vital goods vehicle operators are as prepared as possible for a no-deal Brexit on 31 October 2019.

"In this scenario, new border procedures and haulier responsibilities will come into effect immediately. Hauliers must ensure they fully understand the new road haulage procedures, documentation requirements and responsibilities that will arise after 31 October 2019; otherwise, they risk their operations coming to a standstill.

“While we are still waiting for clarification from government on several points – such as UK tariff regimes in the medium term – goods vehicle operators must ensure they have done everything in their power to prepare for the challenging times ahead: starting with these workshops.”

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FTA training, audits and standards general manager Keith Gray said: "I strongly encourage all goods vehicle operators – whether FTA members or not – to attend a free workshop. Enquire now to secure your place.”

The FTA says the workshops aim to give delegates an understanding of:

• the impact different Brexit scenarios would have on road freight movements between the UK and the EU
• the intended border procedures and responsibilities of hauliers involved in freight movements to and from the EU, in the event of a no-deal Brexit
• the changing documentation and checklist requirements for goods vehicle operators, drivers and trailers
• the consequential operational changes for hauliers in cross border routing, alternative ro-ro ports, insurance, border delays and driver welfare
•  where to find and how access UK and EU information and guidance on international haulage, real-time port delays and new customs requirements