
A haulage firm in Blackburn has had its licence revoked after the DVSA found maintenance and compliance failings, but a linked business was allowed to operate under interim authority.
Following a Warrington public inquiry (PI), traffic commissioner (TC) Gerallt Evans said CAD Poultry no longer met the standards for financial standing, its vehicles had attracted roadside prohibitions, and it had failed to notify his office about a change in maintenance provider.
A DVSA investigation into the haulier found three vehicles and three trailers were being operated when only two of each were authorised on the licence; inspection records were incomplete; and some documentation was addressed to 360 Transport.
This latter business was also called to the PI as it had recently made an application to operate four vehicles and 10 trailers.
Director and transport manager of both firms, Mohammad Nassib, told the TC CAD drivers had been paid in cash by 360 or the director in person due to CAD suffering from financial problems.
He had intended for 360 to act as a freight forwarder for CAD, but it was accepted this had not been done correctly and Nassib had not appreciated the implications of drivers being paid by other entities.
Summing up, the TC said many of the issues identified by the DVSA had been positively addressed, but they should never have arisen in the first place.
The licence was revoked, but he granted 360 Transport an interim licence while training was undertaken, an audit carried out, and financial standing demonstrated.