Freight exchange X4freight thinks it can help UK operators compete with foreign hauliers when new cabotage rules come into play next year. Tim Phillips, chief executive of X4freight, believes domestic hauliers will be subject to intense competition from January 2009, as transport firms from other EU member states will be able to carry out three journeys in seven days, enabling them to compete more freely for UK work.
Phillips says: "Current estimates I've heard suggest that UK hauliers
will have around a 25% disadvantage because they are faced with higher costs, which paints a gloomy picture for the UK haulage industry. "With things getting tougher, UK hauliers need to maximise utilisation and revenue wherever they can. X4freight can help them do this by taking out empty legs and making sure a back load is always lined up."
The company, based at Dover docks, employs sophisticated software to pinpoint the position of loads and trucks around Europe, and give a percentage rating of the best match. Phillips adds: "The service matches empty loads between Continental and domestic hauliers, saving money, empty legs and hassle." The company is changing its name to Freightex later this month.
Reed Business Information Limited.©2009
