“Brexit, general elections and grey imports, we’ve had to contend with the lot,” says Arthur Pinkney, MD at parts supplier Impexparts. “And just when we think it’s safe to come out of the water, COVID-19 comes along. There’s no time for strategy meetings, this thing is real and we have to react and react fast. There’s nothing in the rule book to guide us. The response from UK haulage has been gargantuan; this dirty draconian industry has pulled it out of the bag and is creating heroes by the minute.”
Pinkney tells Commercial Motor that as of today (25 March), Impexparts is still managing to offer a same day delivery service, albeit with reduced staff numbers. “We’re answering the phone, we’re getting stuff delivered. Are we breaking the rules? Yes we are, but we’re staying safe and getting product on the shelves.”
Pinkney is hopeful that the UK haulage industry will have a totally different public perception at the end of this outbreak, but he isn’t holding his breath.
“Truckers and the haulage industry in general are perceived as unnecessary polluters that block our roads and cause delays when they head off to the coast! But how things have changed in a matter of just a few short days. Today, social media, the media and the man on the street are saluting the efforts of our hauliers who are working tirelessly to keep the UK open, and quite rightly so. However, when we get through this, and we will, I wonder if memories will fade. Let’s hope not!”
