UK hauliers that were affected by a cartel of truck manufacturers have until 14 February to register for a class action being brought by the Road Haulage Association (RHA) in the UK’s Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT). The CAT authorised the RHA to act on behalf of the industry to seek compensation for losses suffered as a result of the unlawful conduct of the truck manufacturers.
The claim is being brought as an opt in class action, which means that anyone who is eligible must opt in, in order to be eligible for compensation if it is awarded. Eligible claimants must register their interests via: www.truckcartellegalaction.com before 14 February 2025 to ensure that the opt in process can be completed by the 28 February 2025 deadline.
Those eligible to opt in include companies, firms and individuals who purchased or leased new and used trucks of six tonnes and over, registered in the UK between:
- 17 January 1997 and 31 January 2014 for new trucks.
- 17 January 1997 and 31 January 2015 for used trucks.
Personal representatives of the estate of any person falling within the class who died on or after 17 July 2018 can also opt in.
UK truck operators can start the opt in process here: www.truckcartellegalaction.com
Richard Smith, Managing Director of the RHA said: “We urge those who are eligible to opt in to the legal action, so that they can access compensation if it is awarded by the Tribunal. The RHA is dedicated to the interests of the road haulage sector, and we are proud to be bringing this claim in order to secure compensation for companies and individuals and to deter cartelist behaviour and poor corporate governance in our industry.”
The claim is being brought against a number of companies within the MAN, DAF and Iveco groups of companies, but the claim covers all makes of trucks, not just those manufactured by these companies.
The Competition Appeal Tribunal granted a Collective Proceedings Order on 5 August 2024, which means that the claim can proceed as a collective action. A date for trial has not yet been set. Once the matter goes to trial, the Tribunal will then decide whether the defendants have to pay damages to the class and at what level these damages are set.
The RHA has instructed Backhouse Jones, a leading law firm for the road haulage sector as well as expert competition law specialists Addleshaw Goddard. The lawyers have instructed counsel from Exchange Chambers and Brick Court.
RHA Used Trucks Limited (RUTL), which is the subsidiary of the RHA that has been approved to represent hauliers that purchased or leased used trucks, has instructed Tyr Law as well as counsel from Brick Court and Blackstone Chambers.
The costs of bringing this legal action are being funded by a litigation funder so there is no cost to register for compensation.
Richard Smith continues: “The Road Haulage Association (RHA) is the only trade association dedicated to the UK road transport industry. With 8,500 members representing over 100,000 vehicles, the RHA campaigns for the logistics industry with governmental bodies. The RHA lobbies for change and supports its members with a range of benefits. The RHA is a trade association supporting people and businesses in the road transport sector.
We offer a voice for our members to work with policy makers on key issues including legislation, costs, road investment, driver facilities, and Net Zero. Members have access to technical and professional services to help them comply with regulations and run their businesses efficiently. We also offer accredited training programmes to help firms develop their teams and operations.
We’ve been proudly supporting hauliers for 80 years and now include coach and van operators. We champion the highest standards and work hard to be the go-to organisation for driving business on our roads.”
