Hauliers haul empty
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• Despite a sharp increase in the value of British exports to Western Europe, UK hauliers are still taking empty trucks abroad to pick up European goods for import.
Figures released by the British Overseas Trade Board show UK sales to France up 14%; sales in Spain, the Netherlands and Austria are up, 17%; Greece up, 20%; and Germany 10% up in targeted sectors. No volume figures were produced but BOTB admits: "There is still a problem with containers coming in full, going out less than full."
Europe accounts for 58% of all British exports, but the Road Haulage Association says 443,000 foreign trucks entered the UK in the year to September 1989 — while only 255,000 British trucks headed the other way. "This accounts for a t1.3bn negative balance of payments in transport costs" says the RI-IA.
South Wales haulier TD Williams is worried that the growing number of UK hauliers competing for loads in Europe is leading to a price war. "There's a glut of British vehicles out there — we've had tremendous problems in Spain," says Andrew Williams. But he attacks UK rates as "far too low." adding: "Irish hauliers, even with a sea crossing, make more than we do".
BOTB urges exporters to be cautious about opportunities in eastern Europe, which accounts for just 1% of British exports. There are openings for food suppliers but, according to BOTB chairman Sir James Cleminson; "The market is really for companies with enough fat on their back to take a long-term view."