No Hope Yet of Lower Charges
Page 7
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BECAUSE 50 per cent, of the transport undertakings to he nationalized had not yet been taken over, there could be no hope of cheaper freight transport in the near future, Gen. Sir Reginald Kerr, Midland Divisional Manager of the Road Haulage Executive, told Coventry Chamber of Commerce last week.
"Nationalized transport must pay its way, and a national scale of charges for transporting freight cannot be settled until we know where we are going," he said.
The personal touch was one of the big advantages that private enterprise had, and the Road Haulage Executive was trying to retain it.
Economic running of transport was being achieved by co-operation between the divisions in the British Isles, and lorries were now travelling full both ways. Poor wage rates had been put right, and welfare improved in some 2ases; but many firms were already extremely well run. Although so many had fought against nationalization, he was gratified at the co-operation he had been given. Only a handful had tried to hinder.
[So far from nationalized transport bringing lower rates, the reverse would appear to be the case. Specific cases of increases in charges as compared with those that satisfied the haulier before acquisition, were quoted by Mr. E. B. Howes, of the Hauliers' Mutual Federation, in "The Commercial Motor" last week.] SALVAGE BY NIGHT
A NIGHT emergency towing-in ser ti has been inaugurated by the City Motor Co. (Oxford), Ltd. On receipt of a telephone call., a breakdown vehicle is dispatched to collect the vehicle and arrangements can be made, if necessary, to convey the driver to his home.
TRADE WITH POLAND
A BOOKLET, which should prove of value to manufacturers interested in trading with Poland, is now available from the British Engineers' Association, 32, Victoria Street, London, S.W.1, price 2s. A section, under the heading "Sales Promotion," contains much practical information for those wishing to sell goods to Poland, whilst another section outlines the channels of .approach and the general conduct of business with Polish nationalized industries.