A&R stands to lose Gist contract
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• A&R Logistics, the controversial Stoke haulage firm that was exposed by CM as an unlicensed operator last week (CM17-23 July), faces fresh problems with the probable loss of a major contract.
A&R was formed following the collapse of Harp Riley Holdings and its subsidiary Linkline Transport by Linkline's former directors, using the same premises and, in some cases, the same vehicles.
Linkline's subcontractors were outraged as they were left saddled with crippling debts.
But now Gist, which was subcontracting former Linidne work to A&R Logistics, has challenged the firm citing a breach of contract.
A statement from Gist reads: "Gist was led to believe that A&R was in possession of an interim Operator's Licence. Following the article which appeared in last week's Commercial Motor, Gist made further enquiries and, as a result, informed A&R that it was in breach of contract. This contract will therefore be terminated unless an interim licence is issued to A&R before the end of the month, in which case the contract will be reviewed.''
However this means that A&R will continue to pull Gist's trailers until the end of the month, which could cause Gist itself a number of problems, not least of which is the strong possibility that any unlicensed vehicle could end up being impounded by VOSA.
Sources within the West Midlands Traffic Area Office have hinted that this could also impact upon Gist's own licence.
A&R Logistics declined to comment.