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Independent truckers contracted by the government to transport gravel from the Penno’s Wharf to the government quarry in Hamilton Parish are expressing growing frustration over what they describe as unfair competition within the transport fleet.
The truckers—mostly small, locally owned, independent operators—say they were hired with the expectation that the work would sustain their livelihoods. However, tensions arose when large 25-ton trucks were introduced into the same operation. According to the independent operators, these larger trucks, reportedly operating by IEL Limited as part of the fleet, have significantly altered the balance of work.
The smaller trucks used by local operators are considerably less capable in size and capacity—nearly four times smaller than the 25-ton trucks now hauling gravel. As a result, the independent truckers believe they are being pushed to the margins of the operation, with fewer loads assigned to them while the larger trucks move substantially more material in fewer trips.
Several of the independent truckers voiced concerns that the presence of these large trucks has effectively reduced their earning potential, describing the situation as “taking food out of our mouths.” They argue that the government’s decision undermines the very purpose of hiring local, independent operators, many of whom rely solely on this work to support their families.
In response to these concerns, inquiries were sent to the Minister of Parks and Engineering, the Honorable Jacha Adams. The Minister provided an explanation outlining the government’s position on the matter, addressing the operational decisions surrounding the inclusion of larger trucks in the transport fleet and the logistical considerations behind the project.
While the Minister’s explanation offered clarity on the government’s approach, independent truckers maintain that a more balanced system is needed—one that protects local operators while still meeting the government’s infrastructure goals.
The situation continues to spark discussion about fairness, economic inclusion, and the role of local contractors in government-led projects.
• Below is the statement from the Minister of Works and Engineering Jacha Adams
“All known and available truckers on the Government file were contacted and engaged where possible in the recent gravel transport operation,” a Government spokesman confirmed today.
Truckers formed the backbone of this operation. The transport work was offered to all known truckers on the Government file, including some who do not routinely accept Government contracts, and every effort was made to maximise contractor participation,
This operation was subject to strict timelines and a high daily volume of material that had to be moved within a limited unloading window.
The scale and urgency of the task meant that additional large-capacity vehicles were briefly used to help meet the required daily offload rate and avoid costly delays while the ship was in port.
These vehicles were used alongside smaller truckers, not in place of them, and are no longer being used now that the ship offload rate is being matched by available Government and contracted truckers.
It should also be noted that not all scheduled contractors were able to report for duty as planned, which further increased the pressure to complete the work within the available timeframe.
The Ministry will continue to prioritise fairness, transparency in Government projects. Any trucker interested in being considered for future gravel runs or similar works is encouraged to contact the Department of Works and Engineering directly on 444-1497 for further information and inclusion.
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