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Regulars are calling it a day
Page 67
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Our inside trader has noted an alarming trend among the operators he's buying vehicles from and fears UK road haulage is falling by the wayside...
In recent months the source of the vehicles coming to the-forecourt has started to become alarming. Owner-drivers arc a regular source of business hut normally they're trading in for something better (or, heaven forfend, a brand new motor) but weren't satisfied with the part-exchange deals on offer.
Nowadays, when an owner-driver shows up looking to sell his truck it's more likely he's calling it a day — getting out before he's shown the door by the bank and asked for the keys to his house. They come up with the usual reasons: fuel prices, poor rates and competition from overseas.
It might be no more than a short-term blip but it's worth highlighting because of its ramifications. In two months I've lost seven established customers who used to replace their trucks from my forecourt. My fresh sales to new customers of a similar ilk have increased by six. In terms of trucks I reckon I've lost 15 potential deals and gained 11.
That's a downturn in anyone's books. Repeat custom is my bread and butter. If that drops then I have to reassess my business plans. News that the government is to introduce a fine-and-clamp system on foreign trucks is welcome but it needs to do more than that to address the balance of power for British road haulage.
Based on my statistics alone, UK haulage is dying on its wheels at an alarming rate. •