The Transport Association (TA) recently marked its 70th anniversary with a gala dinner, attended by 430 members and guests, and a display of over 140 modern and classic trucks, at the Silverstone circuit in Northamptonshire.
The event, which took place on Saturday 3 May, raised nearly £35,000 for the Air Ambulance in a raffle and auction, including a winning bid from Farrall Transport for a TA anniversary liveried stepframe doubledeck trailer built by long-term TA supporter SDC.
The line-up of trucks included 50 classic trucks, 61 modern vehicles and 21 trucks, displayed by sponsors which included all of the major OEMs except Iveco.
The Transport Association has its roots in the Transport Arrangement, which started out in 1946 and, following denationalisation of the road industry, became the Transport Association in 1955.
Made up of around 60 mainly family-owned hauliers, its main purpose is to be a self-help group offering practical benefits such as shared parking, truck wash and bunkering facilities along with mutual support and fellowship.
To mark the event, Welch Group wrapped its newly purchased second electric artic in a special livery (above) that pays tribute to the history of British haulage. “It’s our way of honouring where we’ve come from, while continuing to push the future of zero-emission freight,” said head of solutions Jamie Sands.
Opening the dinner, Peter Greenhalgh, current chair of the TA and MD of Treasure Transport, said the TA was made up of “the most respected transport businesses owned by the most incredible characters”.
“Marking 70 years is a true testament to the strength of our members,” he said.
“The TA is where competitors can come together to share issues in an altruistic manner to the benefit of their customers.
“It is both a support system and one big, deeply loyal family.”
The event was organised by Peter Greenhalgh (main picture), TA vice chair and MD of Chamberlain Transport Simon Chamberlain and TA secretary Karen Tanner.
