Stakeholders in the Haulage services industry have said contractors in the sector need to figure out a way to remain resilient in business considering existing turbulent operating environment.
This was discussed at the Haulage & Logistics Magazine annual conference and exhibition (HAULMACE) 2023 with the theme ‘Managing the Haulage Employer/Contractor Relationship in a Difficult Operating Environment’ at the weekend in Lagos.
Speaking, the managing director of Logistixone Nigeria Limited, Mr. Stephen Opayemi stated that transportation logistics (Haulage Service) has evolved over the years, with growth in capacity and capabilities of key players in the sector.
Despite this, Opayemi noted that the impact of Haulage services to the Nigerian economy is grossly underestimated/undervalued, saying that the haulage sector has historically been the key driver of the economy both in Nigeria and most countries.
“Unfortunately, from many years of experience, the sector is also one of the most negatively impacted and about the least resilient sector when there is an economic challenge or downturn,” he said.
Opayemi added “Mckinsey & Company Research indicates that the haulage sector Suffers more than the average business sector during economic hardship.
“Despite the growth and significant investment in the sector in the last few years, the current economic and regulatory Conditions have made things extremely difficult for the haulage sector and the entire manufacturing industry.”
The convener of HAULMACE, Mr. Alfred Okugbeni stated that this is the ninth edition of this annual conference and exhibition, as the conference has become a reference point for measuring the activities that are going on in the trucking and Haulage industry in Nigeria.
He applauded all the sponsors, participants, manufacturers who have had confidence in this platform over the years that has kept us going.
He said the conference aims to provide a platform for industry stakeholders to deliberate and strategize effective measures for managing the haulage employer/contractor relationship in the face of multifaceted operational challenges.