Freight forwarders support truckies’ blockade

MEDIA RELEASE – for immediate release

3 July 2008

Freight forwarders support truckies’ blockade

Freight forwarders are supporting plans by truckies to disrupt commuters heading to work tomorrow (Friday) by blocking city centres with their vehicles.

CBAFF acknowledges the protest will be frustrating for commuters but believes the action will help raise public awareness about what it sees as an unwarranted rise in road user charges.

The nationwide protest is in response to Transport Minister Annette King increasing road user charges on Monday without consultation.

Willie van Heusden, President of the Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Federation of New Zealand, said the lack of consultation was yet another example of a Government out of touch with its constituents.

“Once again we’re seeing the freight and transport industry having unreasonable costs thrust upon it. Margins are already extremely tight in our sector and transport operators are drowning in compliance costs.

“It raises the question that with petrol prices at record highs and usage declining whether this is nothing more than a cynical move to ensure the Government’s cookie jar remains full.”

Mr van Heusden said while commuters may find delays frustrating many would be sympathetic with truckies’ anger.

“This will be the first national protest taken by the industry – so that’s a clear indication of the resentment this move has engendered amongst transport companies and the wider freight sector.”

ENDS

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