EU proposals to limit the height of future European semi-trailers spell a
supply chain transport planning nightmare for haulage firms and fleet operators, according to the Freight Transport Association (FTA).
The FTA is warning that European Commission plans to introduce a standard four metre trailer height for single-deck trailers must be stopped to end uncertainty in the sector.
The Federation of Small Businesses has said the plans will deliver a "hammer blow" to the UK haulage industry's attempts to become more environmentally friendly.
In a letter to EU transport commissioner Siim Kallas, the FTA urged him to withdraw the proposal before it passes beyond his control.
"A future four-metre height limit will have a catastrophic impact on many logistics contracts and wreck the efficiencies achieved through the use of high-cube trailers in the UK," said James Hookham, the FTA's managing director of policy and communications.
"This proposal started life as one of those Brussels ideas that everybody assured us would go nowhere, but nine months later and there is still a piece of paper with 'four metres' written on it."
The association has set out a five-stage campaign to drive home its message, which includes a rally in Brussels to consolidate support for a higher trailer limit.
"FTA will not sleep until this proposal is in the bin. We must decapitate the four metre limit before it takes the top off our trailers," Mr Hookham said.
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