THE biggest legislation change to affect the road haulage industry in decades is proving a challenge for a Worcester firm, which is trying to minimise the costs to its customers.

The new Road Transport Directive is being implemented in March 2005 and Martley-based TM Logistics is taking a partnership approach to help mitigate the impact on clients.

The laws restrict weekly working time for drivers to an average 48-hour week and a maximum 60 hours every seven days. There is no "opt-out" for drivers wishing to work longer.

The impact of the new legislation will be huge, warned TM Logistics contract manager Adam Purshall, with the biggest issue being increased transport costs with drivers being forced to work fewer hours.

The company has set up a roadshow to inform customers of the changes, before embarking on a series of one-to-one, more in-depth, meetings.

"The new laws will affect us all, and ultimately it will be the customer that pays," said Mr Purshall.

"That is why we are acting early by spending time with our customers, examining how it will affect their individual operations and working up plans with them in readiness for next year.

"We are helping them look at the bigger picture to best manage the process, in terms of informing their own customers, introducing flexible working practices and how to budget for increased transport costs.

TM Logistics has already taken steps to maximise drivers' time behind the wheel.

"We've done operation impact assessments, employment reviews and questionnaires, and we are running driver feedback meetings and monitoring shift patterns," Mr Purshall added.

"The use of innovative technology is also being investigated by TM Logistics as a method of optimising working time.

"Our aim is to plan early and stabilise the situation so we are fully compliant ahead of the deadline."

For more information, call TM Logistics on 01886 888241.