The Hydraulic Trailer Owners Association (HTOA), the sole representative body for modular hydraulic trailer (MHT) owners in India, held its 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at The Lalit, Mumbai. The event saw participation from members across the country.
The meeting, chaired by Mr. Sameer Parikh, Chairman, and conducted by Mr. Nilesh Sinha, General Secretary, featured a detailed presentation on the past, present, and future of the Over Dimensional/ Over Weight Consignment transportation scenario in the subcontinent. Key resolutions passed unanimously included implementing safety advisories and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), advocating for a government-enforced digital curb on the overloading menace, amendments to the Carriage by Road Rules to limit carrier liability based on weight, establishing an integrated movement permissions system for central and state roads/bridges, conducting regular training programs, and digitally disseminating HTOA’s initiatives.
The AGM was followed by the signing of an SOP with the Indian Army to meet its strategic ODC (Over Dimensional Cargo) equipment transportation requirements. BharatBenz also unveiled its new Tractor 5532T 6×4 series, and the 10th edition of *Heavy Haulers*, India’s only heavy-lift journal, was released. Additionally, presentations were given on global ODC transportation technologies by leading international and national MHT manufacturers, puller tractor companies, and tire manufacturers.
The meeting was graced by the presence of Mr. Vivek Bhimanwar, Transport Commissioner of Maharashtra, as the Chief Guest, and Brigadier Rajat Kumar as the Guest of Honour. Other prominent attendees included Mr. J.P. Martin from Goldhofer Germany, Mr. Amrit Lal Madan from AIMTC, Mr. Malkit Singh Bal from AIMTC, as well as active participation from HTOA board members and representatives of BharatBenz, VG Automobiles, TII India, Tratec Engineers, VOLVO India, VMT, BKT Tyres, ICICI Lombard Insurance, TATA Motors, and hundreds of leading ODC transporters.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Zarksis Parabia, Vice Chairman of HTOA.