Roadway – The Podcast

Welcome to Roadway – The Podcast , the voice of the UK road transport industry. Produced by the Road Haulage Association (RHA) , the podcast tackles the topics that matter most to hauliers, coach operators, and logistics professionals. Hosted by RHA Managing Director Richard Smith , each episode features in-depth conversations with leading figures, policy experts, and industry partners — offering trusted insights, analysis, and stories from across the sector. Whether you’re behind the wheel, in the office, or managing a fleet, Roadway keeps you connected to the issues shaping the future of road transport.

Roadway – The Podcast is a business podcast hosted by Richard Smith, with 21 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Richard Smith hosts Roadway – The Podcast, a business show with 21 episodes published.

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  Episode #23

  Roadway – The Podcast: Episode 22 –The History of the RHA Board – Leadership, Representation and Change

  Sep 28, 202633 min

  In this episode of Roadway – The Podcast, Richard Smith is joined by Moreton Cullimore, Tim Wray and Andrew Howard to explore the history and evolution of the RHA Board and its role in shaping the Association. Bringing together the perspectives of the current Chair, Vice Chair and Past Chair, the conversation looks at how the Board has evolved over time and why strong leadership, governance and member representation remain central to the RHA. Richard, Moreton, Tim and Andrew discuss the role of the Board in setting the strategic direction of the Association, representing members and ensuring the views of operators remain at the heart of the RHA’s work. The episode looks at how the Board’s priorities have changed alongside the road transport industry, including how it has responded to major challenges, changing member expectations and an increasingly complex policy and business environment. The discussion also reflects on the relationship between the Board, the RHA executive and the wider membership, and what makes an effective Board within a modern trade association. Looking to the future, Richard, Moreton, Tim and Andrew discuss the lessons that can be taken from previous Chairs and Boards, how the Board can continue to evolve and the importance of supporting the next generation of industry leaders. This episode provides insight into the people and leadership behind the RHA, highlighting the important role the Board has played in the Association’s history and how it continues to help shape the RHA’s future. Key Themes • The history and evolution of the RHA Board • Leadership and governance • Member representation and operator voice • Setting the RHA’s strategic direction • How the Board has changed over time • The role of the Chair, Vice Chair and Past Chair • Supporting the next generation of leaders • The future of the RHA Board Road Haulage Association (RHA) Contact: marketing@rha.uk.net

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  Episode #21

  Roadway – The Podcast: Episode 21 –Technology, Collaboration and the Future of Logistics

  Sep 14, 202642 min

  In this episode of Roadway – The Podcast, Richard Smith is joined by Michael Ostroumov, CEO of Value Chain Lab, to discuss how technology, collaboration and better data visibility are reshaping the logistics sector. The conversation explores the operational and commercial pressures facing logistics businesses, including rising costs, tight margins, empty running and the need to improve vehicle utilisation while continuing to meet growing customer expectations. Richard and Michael discuss how greater collaboration across operators and supply chains can help businesses make better use of available capacity, reduce inefficiencies and build more resilient logistics operations. The episode looks at the growing importance of data visibility and how better access to operational information can support decision making, improve service performance, identify inefficiencies and strengthen relationships between customers, operators and suppliers. The discussion also focuses on the role of AI and emerging logistics technology, including how smarter planning, automation and optimisation can support tendering, procurement, exception management and day-to-day operational decisions. Richard and Michael also explore the commercial challenges facing operators in a highly competitive market, including the pressure on margins, the risk of a race to the bottom on pricing and how businesses can demonstrate value beyond cost alone. Looking to the future, Richard and Michael discuss how logistics platforms and increasing digitalisation could change the way the industry operates over the next five to ten years and what businesses can do now to prepare. This episode provides insight into how technology, data and greater collaboration can help create a more efficient, resilient and commercially sustainable future for road transport and logistics. Key Themes • Collaboration and operational efficiency • Reducing empty running and improving vehicle utilisation • Data visibility and better decision making • AI and technology in logistics • Planning, optimisation and automation • Managing margin and pricing pressures • Commercial sustainability • The future of logistics platforms and digitalisation Road Haulage Association (RHA) Contact: marketing@rha.uk.net

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  Episode #20

  Roadway – The Podcast: Episode 20 - Borders, Disruption & the Future of UK–EU Trade

  Aug 31, 202654 min

  In this episode of Roadway – The Podcast, Richard Smith is joined by John Lucy, Richard Bartlett and Alastair Gunn to discuss borders, disruption and the future of UK–EU trade. The conversation explores the current state of international trade and the operational realities facing freight operators, logistics businesses and supply chains as they navigate increasingly complex border processes and changing customs requirements. Richard, John, Richard and Alastair also discuss the impact of geopolitical uncertainty and global supply chain disruption, including how changing trade routes, tariffs, documentation requirements and international instability are affecting UK businesses. The episode looks at the challenges surrounding the movement of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, including the Windsor Framework, Red and Green Lanes and the Internal Market Scheme, and what these arrangements mean for operators in practice. The discussion also focuses on compliance and the practical steps businesses can take to reduce delays, manage risk and build greater resilience into their international operations. Looking to the future, Richard, John, Richard and Alastair discuss upcoming changes at UK and European borders, including the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), increasing border digitisation and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and what operators should be preparing for. This episode provides insight into the challenges and opportunities facing international road transport and highlights the importance of resilience, effective border processes and collaboration between government and industry in supporting the future of UK–EU trade. Key Themes UK–EU trade and border movements Supply chain disruption and resilience Geopolitical uncertainty and global trade Northern Ireland trade and the Windsor Framework Red and Green Lanes Internal Market Scheme (IMS) EU Entry/Exit System (EES) Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) Border digitisation and future regulation Customs, compliance and risk management Road Haulage Association (RHA) Contact: marketing@rha.uk.net

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  Episode #19

  Roadway – The Podcast: Episode 19 – Next Gen: Careers in Logistics and Automotive

  Aug 17, 202638 min

  In this episode of Roadway – The Podcast, Richard Smith is joined by Sebastian Sanders and Stephen Hards to discuss the next generation and the future workforce of the road transport and logistics industry. The conversation explores how we attract, develop and retain new talent in a sector that is critical to the UK economy, looking at the different routes into the industry and the experiences that shape careers in transport and logistics. Richard, Sebastian and Stephen also discuss what more the industry can do to attract young people, including the importance of engaging with schools and colleges and showcasing the wide range of career opportunities available across the sector. The episode looks at the role of apprenticeships and hands-on experience in developing future talent, as well as how employers can create clear career pathways and support the next generation of industry leaders. The discussion also focuses on challenging outdated misconceptions about careers in transport and logistics, highlighting the diverse roles available beyond driving and how technology, innovation and decarbonisation are changing the industry. Looking to the future, Richard, Sebastian and Stephen discuss the ongoing challenges around driver recruitment and retention, the barriers facing new entrants, and the opportunities for long-term career progression across the sector. This episode provides valuable insight into the opportunities and challenges facing the next generation and highlights why attracting, developing and investing in people is essential to building a stronger and more sustainable future for road transport and logistics. Key Themes • Attracting the next generation • Careers in road transport and logistics • Apprenticeships and skills development • Breaking industry misconceptions • Driver recruitment and retention • Technology, innovation and decarbonisation • Career progression and the future workforce Road Haulage Association (RHA) Contact: marketing@rha.uk.net

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  Episode #18

  Roadway – The Podcast: Episode 18 – Behind the Wheel: Supporting People in Crisis

  Aug 3, 202625 min

  In this episode of Roadway – The Podcast, Richard Smith is joined by Jim French and Kelly Taylor to discuss the RHA Benevolent Fund and the vital role it plays in supporting people across the road transport and logistics industry. The conversation explores what the Benevolent Fund is, why it was established and who it is designed to support, highlighting the importance of looking after the people who keep our industry moving during times of hardship and unexpected challenges. Richard, Jim and Kelly also discuss who can access support from the Fund, the types of circumstances it can help with and some of the common misconceptions around eligibility and applying for assistance. The episode looks at how the Benevolent Fund works in practice, from the application process through to providing support to individuals and families, as well as the governance and oversight that ensures decisions are made fairly and transparently. The discussion also focuses on the impact of the Fund and its key initiatives, including the Tooling Kit project, exploring how practical support can make a real difference to people working across the sector. Looking to the future, Richard, Jim and Kelly discuss how RHA members and the wider industry can support the Benevolent Fund through fundraising, raising awareness and partnership, and why continued industry backing is so important to the Fund's future. This episode provides valuable insight into the work of the RHA Benevolent Fund and highlights the importance of coming together as an industry to support people when they need it most. Key Themes - The RHA Benevolent Fund - Supporting people across the industry - Accessing support and eligibility - The application process - Governance and transparency - Key initiatives and industry impact - Fundraising, awareness and partnership Road Haulage Association (RHA) Contact: marketing@rha.uk.net

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