Haulage industry's vital role in keeping our county moving

Babs Murphy, chief executive of the North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, said the nation was recognising the importance of the sector in keeping everything from food, medical supplies and other essentials moving around the country throughout the ongoing shutdown.

She added that there was a need for regulatory burdens to continue to be relaxed as hauliers tackle the challenges of a downturn in deliveries.

The Be Inspired Business Awards, The BIBAs, has extended its application window until the end of July to allow firms to apply for categories including its Transport and Distribution Business of the Year.

Ms Murphy said: “We have seen some restrictions lifted on the haulage industry to allow them to get vital supplies where they are needed and this type of support needs to continue.

“Now the nation has stocked up on supplies, we can expect to see volumes decrease and that is going to put pressure on this sector and therefore more radical measures need to be considered.”

Since the coronavirus outbreak, the Government has ordered a temporary relaxation on the hours which haulage firms can operate and suspended the MOT testing of lorries and trailers for three months.

The BIBAs confirmed last week that it was extending its application window until the end of July to allow firms to apply for its 20 awards categories whilst concentrating on supporting their businesses.

It will host its judging rounds in September and cancelled its second round of judging, The BIBAs, which normally sees judges visit businesses in their own premises.