Dear Member,

Let’s face it, most of us think that we’re going to wake up on Friday morning to a world that is pretty much unchanged from that of today. We all know our belts are going to be tightened so hard we’ll be singing soprano – but apart from that the world, and the companies we work for, will continue pretty much as is after the election.

But, imagine if that were not the case. The Scottish Socialist party is calling for free travel which seems pretty bold I note (oh I just mentioned them to make a point by the way, other political parties are standing and they are, in alphabetical order: …nahh).

But what would our world be like if even more radical changes were to be made, as a result of putting that X in the box tomorrow?

Well in 1948 exactly this happened. Not only were the railways nationalised – something some people still call for again today – and the buses; but also, wait for it, road haulage.

Now I’m so old I think the Big Bang was last week, and surely it was only a minute ago I helped Noah with his waterproofing? But assuming you’re a Bright Young Thing the idea of a nationalised road haulage industry will have you choking over your custard doughnut. Or is it just me that eats these fabulous confectionaries at my computer?

Yep, in 1948 British Road Services was formed, and not only did it incorporate the old haulage businesses of the railway companies and Pickfords, but also every long-distance road haulage company in the land. And in 1948 long distance was defined as over 40 miles!

Imagine if DHL, Wincanton, Norbert etc. were suddenly nationalised. In all, 246 road haulage firms were back in 1948. One way or another, whether you worked for the railways, buses or road haulage companies; there sure was a big difference.

Now there are some benefits that come with scale. Imagine the purchasing power!................more

David Jinks  Editor
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