The new deadline, approved by the UK Competition Appeal Tribunal, is now set for 28 February 2025.
The claim seeks compensation for operators affected by anti-competitive practices exposed among truck manufacturers, who were found to have conspired to fix prices and delay the introduction of fuel-efficient technology. The Road Haulage Association (RHA) first launched this legal action in July 2018, following revelations that spanned over 14 years of alleged misconduct.
The RHA stated that the extension was necessary due to the substantial time that had elapsed since the claim’s initiation and the seasonal pressures hauliers face during the pre-Christmas period. The association is currently handling a surge in inquiries, both from operators who had previously registered interest and new class members seeking to join.
The Tribunal agreed that the additional time would help ensure effective access to justice for hauliers. Richard Smith, Managing Director of the RHA, previously noted that over 18,000 operators had registered for the claim and encouraged those who had not yet formally opted in to complete the process.
Operators encouraged to act
To benefit from the claim, operators who initially registered their interest must take further steps to opt in, particularly those contacted since August 2024. The RHA has directed interested parties to its dedicated website, truckcartellegalaction.com, for guidance and documentation.
The case marks a significant effort to secure compensation for operators, with one manufacturer, DAF, having expressed interest in settlement negotiations earlier this year.
This extension provides another opportunity for hauliers to join the collective action and potentially recover damages stemming from the cartel’s impact on the road transport sector.