Meachers Global Logistics Depot Manager, Andy Sheppard has been elected as the new Road Haulage Association (RHA) Chairman for the Hampshire Sub-Region.
The RHA is a member-led trade association that supports people and businesses in the road transport industry. It works with governments, policy makers and local authorities.
In his new role as Chair, Andy will act as a voice for logistics and road haulage companies for RHA members in its Hampshire Sub-Region, one of its largest with over 25 members who regularly meet to discuss the issues that are most important to them.
Andy was born into logistics and has worked in the industry. His father worked as a truck driver before hanging up his keys to set up his own road haulage company.
After finishing school, Andy went to work for him, supporting with the day-to-day planning and running of the trucks. Keen to experience what working days were like for the drivers he managed, he later took his HGV driving test, an incredibly eye-opening experience.
“Very quickly, I learned that I didn’t know as much as I thought I did,” recalls Andy. “Experiencing what it’s like to be a driver gave me a much more grounded view of everything and how I could be more effective in supporting the drivers I was managing.”
Andy joined Meachers ten years ago and has helped to grow and develop its transport division. He also oversaw the integration of its Fair Oak depot following Meachers’ acquisition of AFS Haulage in 2021. He remains the manager of the depot now.
Andy said of his appointment: “The RHA is about having a voice, and my job is to ensure it gets heard for its Hampshire members. It is imperative that we, as haulage companies, maintain a collective voice through the RHA. Our input is crucial in shaping the path forward amidst these changes.
“I firmly believe that within these challenges lie vast opportunities. As Chairman, I am committed to ensuring that we seize these prospects for growth and adaptation.”
