Standardized Vehicles _Wanted
Page 50
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QOME form of standardization for furniture-removal vehicles and the possibilities of the bulk purchase of various supplies were the subjects of an address given by Mr. A. Blackwood (hon. secretary, F.W.R.A. East of Scot. land Centre).
The time had come, said Mr. Blackwood, when individual concerns must fool resources in order to continue to exist against the competition of the railway companies and the combines. An ideal solution would be amalgamation into one large concern, but such a scheme did not seem possible. However, nothing could be said against closer co-operation between members.
So long as there was a variation in the capacities of vehicles, there could be no consistency on the question of prices. There ought to be some standardization of van capacity. The Association might well consider and arrive at standard types, which would be most suitable for general operation.
A committee could be formed and could gather practical details from operators throughout the country, regarding fuel and other costs, and the three or four vehicles showing the best performance might be adopted as recommended designs.
If the Association formed a finance company from among the members, it would be possible to negotiate with manufacturers aud distributors for more attractive terms than could be obtained singly. A bulk order could be placed and vehicles drawn from stock. Bulk purchases might also be arranged for petrol, tyres, etc.
Mr. Blackwood made a strong appeal for the fixing of a standard association finish, in which each member would have at least one vehicle painted, so that the public might become "association-conscious."
At the conclusion of the address, a speaker commented that the standardization of vehicles would solve many difficulties. In the matter of co-operative purchase, one had to bear in mind the restriction upon selling at cut prices. A further comment was that standard finish would be beneficial, in that vans could be hired without any query arising to the mind of the customer.
Progress would quickly put any standard type of vehicle out of (ate, commented another speaker. The economic way was to have vehicles suitable for the varied tasks which they had to undertake.
The matter was referred to the standing sub-committee.