TruckNet UK: road transport still a tough industry

Perhaps a timely reminder with all the glitz and glamour this week of the CV show are a couple of topics on the forums about how the transport industry is still a tough game to be in. Drivers from Ramage Distribution reported the company's demise before it became widely known in the industry - a few lucky ones have been taken on by other hauliers to cover Ramage's work, but face an uncertain future.

There have been rumours on the forums regarding the well-known and respected family-run firm Pawsons. Comments about trouble obtaining fuel etc were posted by concerned drivers a couple of weeks ago. It appeared to have managed to get through a cash-flow crisis when quite suddenly it was announced on the forums that it had called in the administrators. At least one driver found out about this via the forums. The Pawsons drivers posting on TruckNet UK seem fairly unanimous in support of the management, most stating that they are sad to see the company go, and if Pawsons could find a way out of the problems and start up again they would go back to work for it in a moment.

One owner-driver has posted the pictures of his pride and joy, a smart 'blinged-up' Scania. Some users are quite vitriolic, stating that the tassels and lights do not pay the bills, while others are in total support, feeling that spending money makes the truck stand out and look good to the general public. This seems to be a subject that will rumble on and both sides of the discussion look as though they will not concede any points to the other.

A word here about how the forums actually operate. The TruckNet UK forums are an online community of transport professionals. Reed Business Information provides the systems and servers for the community to exist, but it is run and policed by the members of the community itself. The volunteer staff, all connected with the industry, spend many hours each week checking the content posted to ensure it stays within guidelines set up by themselves, that it is informative, and also importantly, enjoyable for all. It is, in effect, self-policing. And goes to show that the rumours are incorrect - the transport industry can work together for a common end - a huge, vibrant, successful online community on TruckNet UK is the proof.