RATE WAS REASONABLE
Page 29
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
ACASE in which Wilts United Dairies, Ltd., disputed a charge made by the Bristol Haulage Co., Ltd., for the transport of condensed milk, has resulted in Sir Arnold Musto, SouthWestern Regional Transport Commissioner, upholding the haulage concern.
The dairy company submitted to Sir Arnold an account in respect of a consignment of condensed milk, which was carried from Boson Bridge, near Bridgwater, to London, a distance of 150 miles, at a rate of £2 per ton. The total charge was £18 15s. for a load of 9 tons 7i cwt. The haulage concern had offered to reduce the charge to 32s. 6d. per ton, but the dairy company would not settle for more than 30s. per ton.
According to Wilts United Dairies, Ltd., the pre-war rate was 17s. per ton, and 23s. 8d. per ton was considered to be a reasonable charge at the present time. The company was, however, willing to pay 30s.
Figures submitted by Bristol Haulage Co., Ltd., purported to show that the total cost of operation over 150 miles was 31s. 8d. per ton, to which 124 per cent, was added as profit and 24 per cent, as goods-in-transit risk, giving a final figure of 36s. 6d. per ton. The standard railway rate from Bason Bridge to London for lnads over 4 tons delivered in London, was 51s. 7d., whereas the " exceptional " rate, applicable to delivery only at Nine Elms Station, was 28s. 108. for 10-ton lots and 32s. 10d. for a minimum of 6 tons.
Sir Arnold held that the amended charge of 32s. 6d. was fair.