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Switch to keep rates down

24th November 1967
Page 35
Page 35, 24th November 1967 — Switch to keep rates down
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

A CHESHIRE haulier in Manchester last week sought to surrender a Contract in favour of an open A licence to avoid raising his rates. Harris (Holmes Chapel) Ltd. was applying for two vans and one flat vehicle; the vans on contract to be surrendered. There were four objectors.

Commercial manager of Wall Paper Manufacturers Ltd., Mr. A. Morrey, told the North Western LA, Mr. C. R. Hodgson, that Harris had said a rates increase was inevitable but that carrying return loads would keep the rates stable. The witness said he employed all the objectors and no traffic would be abstracted.

Mr. J. Lawton, for BRS, contended that the average figure quoted for the contract vehicles of 52s a ton for two London trips a week was uneconomic. Mr. Morrey said BRS would not do it for that rate.

Under cross-examination, Mr. J. M. Harris, director, Harris (Holmes Chapel), agreed that the rate was not now economi cal. After discussions Mr. Morrey had agreed to support his A application so he could

carry return loads. "Why should you have an A licence to keep your rates lower than anybody elser--asked Mr. Lawton.

Harris had previously been employed as transport manager at St. Christophers Transport Ltd. which, prior to April 1965, had carried for WPM. At that time the owner had sold out to Nuthalls. Harris had started trading as a clearing house two months before this and in June 1965 had entered into the one-vehicle contract licence with WPM. A further vehicle had been added to this contract in October 1966. The LA noted that there was little difference in earnings after the second vehicle had been acquired.

Mr. T. H. Dorman, of Nuthalls, said his firm had 12 vehicles trunking nightly to London and had some spare capacity on return.

The LA reserved his decision.