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RFA's new online platform helps strengthen road freight operations

28 Jul 2020

To assist its members and the industry the Road Freight Association (RFA) has introduced a new benefit for its members: an online platform on its website which details available loads and/ or capacity and vehicles.

"Operating a trucking company is complex and challenging at the best of times. With Covid-19 and Lockdown however, it has become even tougher. Truckers need to deliver goods to their clients, but with dwindling volumes, some are being forced to deliver at a loss. Our new facility enables members to consolidate their loads and move goods more efficiently and cost-effectively. It makes perfect business sense," says Gavin Kelly, RFA chief executive.

RFA's new online platform helps strengthen road freight operations

©Taina Sohlman via 123RF

As demand for road freight continue to plummet and increase costs for trucking companies amidst the stringent lockdown restrictions, trucking companies are under increasing pressure to transport goods when their trucks are not filled to capacity, have empty vehicles standing or have "dead legs" and/ or empty hauls one way – for this reason RFA saw it necessary to introduce this much-needed benefit.

System features, member responses

The system is easy to use and available 24/7: all members need to do is list the details of the available trucks or loads they have or need (a type of vehicle required, date required, area and route) and provide their contact details. All details are fully visible to RFA members and members can engage with each other directly. “There is no middleman and the RFA makes no commission - nor do we charge any fee,” says Kelly.

Kelly adds that this new service is one of several new initiatives the RFA is bringing to its members over the coming months.

Response from members has been excellent, with many uploading their requests and logging in on a daily basis to check availabilities and opportunities. "This is just one more way that the RFA is able to leverage its strengths for the benefit of all its members. By working together through the association, individual operators and the broader road freight industry is stronger."

"The new realities of our new world mean that, as a trade association, the RFA needs to be agile and even more responsive to the changing needs of its members," says Kelly. "The RFA is committed to doing this. I believe that this next addition to our range of membership benefits can have a big, positive impact on members."

Kelly encourages trucking companies of all sizes to join the association: "We are stronger together – in these uncertain times, can any operator afford not to be a member?"

Anyone can list their available capacity or loads, but only RFA members can view the listings online.