The event, organised by IRTE Services with the SMMT and the RHA, is the biggest of its kind in the UK, a place where the entire industry meets, not only to look at new products, but to reconnect and share best practice.
But not only is the show impossible in the current climate, it’s also been overtaken by events. The big issues that the show addresses, about total cost of ownership and technology choice, must give way to more short-term concerns. In times of need, we all have to focus on what’s really important.
Right now, that means keeping supermarket shelves stocked with food, providing medical supplies to pharmacies and hospitals, and supporting our health service professionals.
I am proud that our members in the haulage industry have a key role to play during this time. Right now, the country needs drivers to move goods, trucks in which to move them, and engineers to make sure the trucks are, and continue to be, roadworthy.
A measure of the importance of supermarket and 3PL haulage is the temporary suspension of European drivers’ hours restrictions for certain types of deliveries, and the London Lorry Control Scheme that governs night-time restocking deliveries.
During this difficult time, the Society, as well as the other organisers, will continue to work for our members in every way we can. We will get through this together. In particular, after mopping up the show cancellation administration, our CV Show team’s attention will turn to planning 2021, and providing the best event we possibly can, to support our industry.