BLV-pro and Friends Launch a “Snail Week” Starting March 21

The prices at the pumps are hardly bearable and are bringing many entrepreneurs, as well as citizens, to their knees. Many businesses are threatened with insolvency in the coming weeks. The current situation in Germany forces unconventional measures but also creates solidarity and unity.

Statement in Full

(Zossen) We – a temporary crisis alliance consisting of BLV pro e.V., AidT e.V., several influencers from the transport industry, and other supporters – do not want to accept the situation without a fight; at the same time, we explicitly emphasize that we will not participate in illegal actions such as blockades, etc.

For years, the German freight carrier/forwarder has been “made into a snail,” with organizations demanding, for example, a speed limit to save on oil imports from Russia.

So we are starting a “Snail Speed Week” from March 21.

Our vehicles will crawl at 50 km/h on the roads and at 60 km/h on the highways – of course, adjusted to the traffic situation and without endangering others. And many will “crawl along”; the truck driver with his truck, the farmer with his tractor, taxis, buses, citizens, etc.

All will be recognizable by the common symbol of our peaceful protest – a yellow warning vest attached to the outside of the vehicle.

Our demands will also be forwarded to the politicians in this context:

• immediate fuel price cap,
• introduction of a commercial diesel,
• temporary aid,
• an appeal to clients to adjust freight rates to the situation,
• an end to the arbitrary extension of payment terms. Liquidity is created at the expense of companies. We advocate for a legally defined payment term of 14 days.
• Stringent monitoring of Mobility Package 2 regarding cabotage, MiLoG, taking the weekly rest period outside of the truck, complete toll data release for monitoring.
• Discussions with politicians about structural changes to end the current social dumping.

If no noticeable relief is granted by the government in the coming week, further unconventional actions are planned. For many freight carriers, the only viable option due to economic necessity is the absolute standstill of vehicles as a measure of choice, as well as the strict rejection of unprofitable transport orders.

The coming weeks will determine the direction for Germany and the German transport and logistics industry. Initially, everyone – whether in business, profession, or private life – feels the effects of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The collapse of supply chains and its extent is, in our view, just the beginning; we are deeply concerned about the missing goods flows from Ukraine, missing seeds, and absent raw materials. Consumers are already facing empty shelves for cooking oil and flour. The industry is suffering from a shortage of AdBlue, diesel, and its consequences, with LNG fleets being laid up.

No solution or end is currently in sight

Today, we have invited associations, clubs, groups, and unions for further dialogue, support, and to crawl along with us, and we plan to give other interested parties in our industry the opportunity to engage in conversation and develop perspectives in a timely Zoom conference. We will keep you informed about this.

Our action will be presented on Wednesday, March 16, by Hessischer Rundfunk in the HR3 morning show by Ralf Kalabis, known for his aid actions for the Ahr Valley and commitment to children, and will then be published by all participants in their formats.

Photo: @ BLV-pro