Winston Spencer Churchill was one of the finest leaders of our great country who was famous for many things, not least of all his inspirational speeches of the second World-War. He said: “Victory is the beautiful, bright-coloured flower.  Transport is the stem without which it could never have blossomed.”  His words are particularly apt, as without transport and road haulage our country would quickly grind to a halt, and without the heavy haulage industry great structures could not be built.

The work undertaken by members of the HTA ensure that the petrochemical plants, wind turbine farms, Olympic stadia, McDonalds restaurants, shopping centres, highways and bridges, and power stations are built and that vast engineering equipment is moved to places it is needed.  More importantly the professionalism of HTA members make sure that these movements are planned and executed on time with public safety paramount in our minds.  We are the true professionals of heavy haulage.

The HTA is at the forefront of developing safety initiatives. In order to further promote safety and to enhance the skills and knowledge of members the HTA is currently working with the Association of Industrial Road Safety Officers (AIRSO), Skills for Logistics (SfL), the City & Guilds (C&G) and industry partners to develop two qualifications that will set industry-wide standards for the safe escorting of wide and heavy abnormal loads in accordance with the Highways Agency Code of Practice for Self Escorting.

We are proud that these much needed qualifications were completed in 2013 and courses developed for delivery in 2014.  The qualifications will be relevant to not only our industry but to all who need to escort these loads and vehicles – crane operators, heavy agricultural machinery like combine harvesters, and the caravan industry.
The founder members of the HTA would be proud of the progress we have made in the 30 years since they met together for the first time.  We in turn are proud of our heritage and the way we now represent our members and advise others on the safe and best way to do things.  Attending meetings at National and International organisations and bodies, (one of our committee members and former chairman is the President of ESTA), speaking at conferences, articles in national magazines and other trade publications and representing our members through the House of Commons and Ministers.  It is fair to say that we probably punch above our weight and achieve more than might be expected.  If you want the job doing well, safely, on-time and on budget whether it be moving an abnormal load, planning and coordinating or professional trained escort drivers – then choose an HTA member.

I am proud to be Chairman of the Heavy Transport Association and commend this 30th Anniversary Yearbook to you (see links below).