"The freeze on fuel duty continues the very positive policy of the last government and will give a massive boost to business confidence not only in the road haulage industry, but the economy as a whole," says RHA chief executive Richard Burnett.
"We would have preferred a 3p a litre cut to boost jobs and growth, but it was essential that duty was not increased. Our hauliers already pay by far the highest diesel duty in the EU," he adds.
And Quentin Willson, of FairFuelUK, comments: "Our 1.1 million supporters will be somewhat happier that, while this tax still remains the highest in the EU, a freeze will help keep their high road transport costs somewhat lower than what was rumoured [for] this Budget."
"Our recent empirical economic evidence sent to all MPs and the Treasury has made them realise that 40 million UK drivers will not tolerate being used as that continual cash tax cow."
However, Burnett laments the absence of financial measures to support the UK's road haulage industry to recruit and train truck drivers.
"In his Spring Budget, George Osborne recognised the shortage of HGV drivers and pledged action to help. This Budget does nothing to help solve the crisis, despite strong representation from across the industry," he says.
Burnett also rails against the fact that the Chancellor failed to support the structure put in place by the RHA and JobCentre+ to get unemployed people into driving.
"By the end of 2016 we will be some 60,000 drivers short if action is not taken now," declares Burnett.
"We are working hard to address the problem and we have a quality process in place for getting unemployed people work experience in the industry and if suitable, a route into full time employment...We need specific targeted funding before it is too late."