A great day of conversations for RHA Roadway – The Podcast! Today I've had the pleasure of recording three episodes with Mark Cartwright from National Highways, Isabella Wayte from XDP and Richard Turfitt, Traffic Commissioner. Three very different conversations, covering road safety, the realities of running a transport business, compliance and the wider challenges and opportunities facing our industry. For me, the value of these conversations is hearing different perspectives, sharing experiences and bringing practical insights to those working across the road transport sector. A big thank you to Mark, Isabella and Richard for taking the time to join me and contribute to the discussions. Looking forward to sharing these episodes over the coming weeks. Keep an eye out for the next episodes of RHA Roadway – The Podcast. #RHADelivers #RHARoadway #RoadTransport #Logistics #Podcast

NOW LIVE | Diabetes, Driver Health and the RHA Wellbeing Charter How much do we really know about diabetes and the impact it can have on those working across road transport? From hidden health risks to the importance of early diagnosis and creating supportive workplaces, diabetes is a conversation our industry needs to be having. In the latest episode of Roadway – The Podcast, RHA Managing Director Richard Smith is joined by Kate Walker from the Diabetes Safety Organisation and Clare Murphy from the RHA to discuss: - Why diabetes awareness matters across the HGV, coach and van sectors. - The practical steps employers can take to support their workforce. - The RHA's journey to becoming Diabetes Safe. - How this work supports our wider ambitions through the RHA Wellbeing Charter. Supporting the health and wellbeing of the people who keep Britain moving is at the heart of our Wellbeing Charter, and conversations like these are an important part of making a real difference. The episode is now live! 👉 Click here to listen: mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/x7q8… or watch: youtu.be/KdSr1hncyyc #RoadwayPodcast #RHAWellbeing #DiabetesAwareness #DriverHealth #RoadTransport #WellbeingAtWork

As we approach the final few dates of our RHA Member Briefings, I have been encouraged by the positive feedback and the level of engagement we have seen across the country. The conversations have been open, constructive and incredibly valuable, giving us a clearer picture of the challenges and opportunities facing truck, coach and van operators. A big thank you to everyone who has attended so far, taken the time to speak with our teams and shared their experiences and views. These conversations matter. They help shape our policy priorities, strengthen the evidence we take to Government and ensure we are focusing on the issues that make a real difference to businesses. For me, that is what being a trade association is about: listening, representing and turning conversations into practical action. We have just a few Member Briefings remaining throughout November, and I would encourage anyone who has not yet attended to come along, meet the team and have their say. See below for our remaining dates and locations. And whether you have attended or not, I would welcome your thoughts. What is the biggest challenge facing your business right now, and what would you like the RHA to do about it? #RHA #RoadTransport #Haulage #Coach #Vans #RHADelivers

Leaving the EU customs union and thereby ending the free movement of goods remains one of the most critical trade issues to be understood and addressed, even though it will be seven years since Brexit occurred in January 2027. There have always been variations of EU membership, and different EU trading arrangements, the so-called Norway/ EEA model and the Swiss model give countries access to the Single Market, but nothing removes customs declarations short of full customs union membership or EU membership. To summarise: •Single market=fewer regulatory barriers •Customs Union=no internal customs declarations •Free Trade Agreement=potentially no tariffs, but customs declarations remain •Full EU membership=both single market and customs union & the free movement of people and goods between members Tariff free trade agreements are not the same as customs free trade, the UK can sell food to the EU without tariffs under the current agreement, the new SPS deal may reduce some inspections, veterinary and phytosanitary certificates for qualifying food exports but doesn’t eliminate customs declarations. Any deal to reduce such checks on UK food exports will almost certainly mean that UK food standards will be aligned and therefore decided by the EU and not the UK, so easing export controls on Welsh lamb or Scottish seafood may come with wider EU regulatory implications. From a haulage perspective, any reduction in paperwork required for cross border movements is useful if only in terms of a reduction of paperwork related problems and delays at the border and is one thing less for any future digital border systems to cope with. The Norwegian Swedish border has often been noted as being one of Europe’s “smartest” borders in terms of the technically swift transit of goods through its border, and Norway has now taken this further with the introduction of a fully digital border in September 2026, moving to mandatory advanced digital declarations in March 2027. The new system, named Digitoll, fundamentally changes the current procedure for goods entering Norway, currently only 25-30% of arrivals are pre entered digitally, the new system will require 100% digital pre entry compliance. Significantly the new rules highlight the role of the haulier, stating that the vehicle driver is responsible for digital submission, although it does allow for a suitable customs agent to make the submission on behalf of the driver. The requirements for exporters and agents to have data ready customs documentation ready much sooner in the process is highlighted, something that UK exporters and hauliers can relate to over the last six years. The ultimate goal of the new system is to automate the border process for goods as much as possible, enabling border authorities to arrange pre-planned risk assessments and inspections as required. The process centres on linking the vehicle with the consignment it is carrying, similar to the UK MRN procedure.

Working in road transport can be challenging, and we know that unexpected circumstances, financial pressures and health issues can have a significant impact on individuals and their families. The RHA Benevolent Fund is there to support people connected to our industry when they need it most. Over the years, the Fund has helped hundreds of individuals and families facing hardship, providing practical and financial assistance during difficult times. For me, it is an important reminder that our industry is about people, not just vehicles and businesses. I would encourage everyone across the truck, coach and van sectors to watch the video, share it with colleagues and help us raise awareness of the support available. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out. Find out more: obi41.nl/2p98rmrv #RHA #RHABenevolentFund #RoadTransport #Wellbeing #RHADelivers

UK Trade Association Awards 2027 If your team, a colleague or your association has done something special, the 2027 UK Trade Association Awards are a chance to give that work the recognition it deserves. Through my work at the Road Haulage Association and as Chair of the Trade Association Forum, I see how much people put into supporting their members. I also know how much thought and effort goes into work that can look straightforward from the outside. Maybe you have run a successful campaign, improved a service or found a way to bring members together that really worked. Or perhaps there is someone on your team whose contribution deserves recognition. There are 23 categories across Create, Engage, Improve and Lead, so do take a look. Entries close at 23:59 on Friday 13 November. tafawards.org/ #TAFAwards #TradeAssociations #TAF

For me, looking after the people in our industry starts with their everyday experience of doing the job. Safe parking, decent facilities and access to support for their physical and mental health all matter. Our Scottish manifesto calls for three new secure truck parking sites: south of Edinburgh, south of Aberdeen and around Inverness. Alongside that, we’ll be putting the RHA Wellbeing Charter in the spotlight at RTX Scotland after its successful launch at Hollyrood on 4 November. I’d encourage members to come and talk to us about the Charter and share what’s working in their own businesses. roadtransportexpo.co.uk/Live… #RTXScotland #RHACampaigns

The role of trade associations is changing — but their relevance has never been greater. Businesses are operating through profound economic, technological, regulatory and environmental change. They need more than a voice in the room. They need organisations that understand their realities, turn experience into credible evidence and convert that evidence into practical influence. The trade associations that succeed in the future will be those that: • listen closely to their members • anticipate change rather than simply react to it • provide knowledge and practical support • build evidence that policymakers can trust • collaborate where a stronger collective voice is needed • remain prepared to challenge constructively when policy is unworkable Collaboration will become increasingly important. No single organisation has every answer, and many of the challenges facing business cross traditional sector boundaries. Through the Trade Association Forum and alliances such as ALTA, we can combine expertise and make the case for solutions that work across the wider economy. But collaboration does not diminish the role of individual trade associations. It strengthens it. Their specialist knowledge, direct relationships and understanding of their members are what give wider alliances authority. For the RHA, our purpose remains clear: to be relevant to the people and businesses operating trucks, coaches and vans; to represent them with evidence and credibility; and to deliver practical value that helps them succeed. The trade association of the future must be a representative, a convener, a source of knowledge, a constructive challenger and a trusted partner. Above all, it must never lose sight of the people and businesses it exists to serve. Comments, as always, are welcome. #TradeAssociations #Leadership #Collaboration #RHA #TAF #ALTA

Business confidence matters. It shapes whether businesses invest, recruit and plan for the future. A very positive and constructive meeting with Lord Leong today, discussing the challenges and opportunities facing SMEs, including the truck, coach and van businesses the RHA represents. Our conversation covered cash flow and late payments, proportionate regulation, skills, wellbeing and the practical support businesses need to invest in decarbonisation. My message was straightforward: alongside managing today’s costs, businesses need confidence in the next six, twelve and eighteen months. Greater certainty helps turn ambition into investment and growth. We also discussed the valuable role trade associations play in connecting government with business. Through both the RHA and the Trade Association Forum, we can bring practical experience, evidence and solutions to those conversations. Thank you, Lord Leong, for your time, thoughtful input and constructive engagement. I came away encouraged by the discussion and positive about the opportunities to build on it. #RHA #TAF #SmallBusiness #BusinessConfidence #Collaboration

A qualified driver, an available vehicle and work ready to be done. Yet restrictions on driver mobility can still stand in the way. In my article published by Logistics Business, I set out why professional driver mobility should be a priority at the UK–EU summit on 20 November. The Schengen 90 days in any 180-day period rule creates challenges for operators deploying drivers on international work across trucks, coaches and vans. At a time when businesses already face difficulties recruiting and retaining drivers, we should be making better use of the skilled workforce we have. For the RHA, the case is practical: smoother trade, more reliable journeys and greater certainty for businesses and their customers on both sides of the Channel. We support constructive UK–EU engagement. Its success should be measured by the barriers removed and the opportunities created. Professional driver mobility deserves a clear place on that agenda. Read my article here: logisticsbusiness.com/transp… #RHA #UKEU #InternationalTrade #Logistics #RoadTransport

@Today we were at Holyrood in Edinburgh for the Scotland launch of the RHA Wellbeing Charter, bringing together MSPs and members for a roundtable and drop-in session on supporting the people who keep road transport moving. Building on our launches in London in July and Northern Ireland in October, the session explored how businesses can put wellbeing into practice. The session included: • Richard Smith launching the Charter in Scotland and setting out our ambition for long-term improvement across the industry. • Scott McIntyre discussing practical ways to look after staff and support their wellbeing. • Kate Walker covering diabetes, the work already underway in Scotland and how it connects with the Charter. Bringing operators and policymakers together gives us an opportunity to discuss the pressures people face and the practical support that can make a difference. The Charter supports everyone who keeps road transport moving – drivers, technicians, planners, office teams and business leaders. Built around six pillars – learning and development, mental wellbeing, leadership and resilience, connecting with others, exercise, and food and nutrition – the Charter aims to deliver one million moments of improvement over ten years. More than 3,800 have already signed up. We’re encouraging more businesses and colleagues to join them and turn that commitment into practical action. Thank you to everyone who joined us at Holyrood today. Our Wales launch follows on 2 December as we continue building support across all four nations. Make your wellbeing pledge: wellbeing.rha.uk.net/ #RHACampaigns #RHAMembership #Wellbeing

Diabetes, Driver Health and the RHA Wellbeing Charter How much do we really know about diabetes and the impact it can have on those working across road transport? From hidden health risks to the importance of early diagnosis and creating supportive workplaces, diabetes is a conversation our industry needs to be having. In our upcoming episode of Roadway – The Podcast, RHA Managing Director Richard Smith is joined by Kate Walker from the Diabetes Safety Organisation and Clare Murphy from the RHA to discuss: 🔹 Why diabetes awareness matters across the HGV, coach and van sectors. 🔹 The practical steps employers can take to support their workforce. 🔹 The RHA's journey to becoming Diabetes Safe. 🔹 How this work supports our wider ambitions through the RHA Wellbeing Charter. Supporting the health and wellbeing of the people who keep Britain moving. Coming soon – keep an eye out for the episode! #RoadwayPodcast #RHAWellbeing #DiabetesAwareness #DriverHealth #RoadTransport #WellbeingAtWork

Today, we’re launching the RHA Wellbeing Charter in Scotland at Holyrood in Edinburgh, building on its launches in London in July and Northern Ireland in October. When we discuss the future of our industry, investment, skills and decarbonisation rightly feature prominently. The health and wellbeing of our workforce must be part of those discussions too. Across the HGV, coach and van sectors, people are managing demanding schedules, responsibility and increasing business pressures. That reaches from the cab and workshop to the traffic office, customer service team and boardroom. As leaders, we have a responsibility to consider how our working environments support those people. A workforce that feels valued and supported helps build stronger businesses, retain experience and attract the next generation. The Charter brings that commitment together through six pillars: • Learning and development – helping people build confidence, develop their skills and see opportunities to progress. • Mental wellbeing – encouraging open conversations, reducing stigma and improving access to support. • Leadership and resilience – creating working environments where people feel informed, valued and able to contribute. • Connecting with others – strengthening relationships and tackling the isolation that can affect people across our sector. • Exercise and physical activity – supporting practical opportunities for physical activity and healthier lifestyles. • Food and nutrition – recognising the challenges of accessing healthy food and encouraging better choices, facilities and support. These are areas where businesses of every size can take practical steps. Listening to a colleague, making time for development or improving access to support can all contribute to a better working life. More than 3,600 have already pledged their support. Our ambition is to deliver one million moments of improvement over ten years, through sustained action across the industry. At today’s roundtable and drop-in session, we’re bringing together MSPs and members to discuss how we can turn that commitment into action. Scott McIntyre will share practical approaches to looking after staff, while Kate Walker will discuss diabetes and how the work already underway in Scotland connects with the Charter. Our Wales launch follows on 2 December, extending engagement across all four nations. Today, I’d encourage businesses, colleagues and partners in Scotland and across the UK to join us. Make your pledge, consider what you can do within your organisation and help turn this shared commitment into lasting improvements. wellbeing.rha.uk.net/ #RHACampaigns

Driver welfare isn't just an employment issue. It's a road safety, compliance and risk management issue. When welfare declines, fatigue, ill health and poor decision-making increase. gov.uk/government/news/drive… #RoadSafety #Logistics

The future of transport is shaped by those keeping Britain moving. Great visits to Williams Shipping and Freightliner Group in Southampton today. Maritime, road and rail — one interconnected supply chain. Listening, collaborating and delivering. #RHA #Logistics #RailFreight

Euro Bus Expo opens tomorrow, and we’re looking forward to joining colleagues and members in Birmingham. For coach operators, investment decisions depend on confidence: in future demand, operating costs, access to skilled people and the infrastructure needed to support new vehicles. I want to hear how those decisions are playing out in your business and where you need more support. These conversations help us make a stronger case to government and shape the services we offer members. Our team will be on stand 470 throughout the three days, discussing coach membership, training, compliance and our campaigning priorities. We’ll also have a historic coach, kindly provided by Stuart Jones - which I’m keen to see. If you’re attending, I hope we get the chance to catch up. eurobusxpo.com/ #EuroBusExpo #RHACampaigns

Fuel remains one of the most significant operating costs for road transport businesses, and understanding the factors influencing prices and future fuel options is important for operators planning ahead. In the latest episode of Roadway – The Podcast, I'm joined by Paul Holland, Managing Director of Corpay UK Vehicle Payments business, including Keyfuels and Allstar. We explore: - What's influencing oil and diesel prices. - What the oil futures market tells us about market expectations. - How global developments can influence fuel supply and pricing. - Practical ways operators can manage fuel costs and plan ahead. - The role of alternative fuels and the future of decarbonisation. - What the future fuel mix could look like for commercial vehicle fleets. It was great to hear Paul's insights and perspective on the fuel market and the considerations facing operators as we look towards the future. My thanks to Paul for joining me and sharing his expertise. 🎧 Listen to Episode 25 here: mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/tf6b… Watch: youtu.be/AhkwMk2p5b4 #RoadwayPodcast #RHA #RoadTransport #Logistics #FuelMarkets #AlternativeFuels

I’m delighted that our policy and Engagement Lead for Northern Ireland, Ally Hobson starts with us today. He brings 30 years’ experience in transport and logistics, with his career spanning freight forwarding, road transport, customs and operational management. Ally has built and led teams, established new customs operations and helped businesses navigate complex regulatory changes. He has also represented industry interests at Westminster and Stormont, bringing practical experience into discussions with policymakers. He is a well-respected figure in our industry and will be getting out to meet members across Northern Ireland and making sure their priorities are heard by government and elected representatives. Welcome to the RHA, Ally. #RHACampaigns #RHAMembership

The most useful question we can ask a member is often a simple one: “How are things in your business?” As our RHA Member Briefings continue, that conversation matters more than ever. Haulage, coach and van operators serve different customers, operate in different markets and face different pressures. We need to understand that variety if we are to represent them effectively. These discussions help shape our policy priorities, strengthen our evidence and inform the conversations we have with government and other decision-makers. They also help us explain publicly why the decisions affecting road transport matter to businesses, communities and the wider economy. For me, that is central to being a relevant trade association: listening carefully, bringing people together and following through with practical action. I would like to thank everyone who has attended our Member Briefings so far and taken the time to share their experiences, challenges and views. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us represent our industry effectively. We still have a number of RHA Member Briefings taking place throughout November and I would encourage members to come along, share their views and speak directly with our team. See below for the upcoming dates and locations. What is the one issue you most want the RHA to understand about your business at the moment? #RHA #RoadTransport #Haulage #Coach #Vans

The European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) latest report on the first nine months of 2026 shows the EU commercial vehicle market is showing signs of recovery with 205,857 new trucks over 16 tonnes registered, putting overall growth at 8.5%. The figures show an uneven recovery, suggesting that some Central and Eastern European countries such as Lithuania, Poland and Romanian economies are recovering faster than most of Western Europe’s largest economies. France was the only major EU market in decline, with a 1% fall in registrations, whereas the UK, (although outside the EU is still included in ACEA figures for comparison), shows the largest contraction with a fall in new registrations at -2.3%, arguably a sign of wider market difficulties in the UK. The report reveals some notable macro-economic statistics, Lithuanian new trucks registrations rose by 24.9% compared to the UK’s contraction of -2.3% during this year, despite the UK economy being approximately 42 times larger than Lithuania’s. Despite its relatively small size, Lithuania has become one of Europe’s most active road transport hubs, particularly for transport between Western Europe, the UK and the Baltic states. For a relatively little-known country, with a small domestic market, in the two decades since it joined the EU in 2004, Lithuania has developed a huge international transport industry carrying other countries goods. Growth in service value to the country in 2025 was 6 billion euros, an increase of +276% since 2004, with road transport as service contributing 23.8% to the countries total export revenue. Competitive operating costs, mainly due to lower labour and industry taxation costs than Western European countries, has allowed carriers to become huge players in cross border transport both within the EU and beyond, turning road haulage into an export industry in its own right, a sector that UK hauliers dominated until the 1990’s. Lithuanian hauliers employ thousands of drivers from outside the EU, particularly: •Uzbekistan •India •Philippines •Ukraine Third country drivers require work and residence authorisation, generally arranged by the employer to arrive in the country, followed by multiple checks in order to drive a HGV, such as licence exchange, Code 95 qualification, driver digital card, medicals and driver attestation for international haulage. Job boards are advertising in the above countries estimated monthly earnings for experienced international drivers at 2,500 to 3,500 euros per month. Having EU membership does not restrict Lithuania to only employing EU drivers, it is allowed to recruit third country drivers so long as immigration and professional driver requirements are met. Interestingly Lithuania and the UK have a similar legal mechanism for employing non-EU HGV drivers, the biggest difference is not the driver attestation itself but in immigration policy, with HGV driving not normally an eligible occupation for a UK Skilled Worker visa.