WORK, WORK, WORK
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Since we started the Trucking Britain Out Of Recession survey last September, some of you have had to work harder than ever just to stand still.
More than a third (36%) revealed that their typical weekly working hours had increased either slightly or significantly since last September; 41% said their hours were about the same, while 23% enjoyed a reduction in hours.
Well, 'enjoyed' is not necessarily the right word, because the reasons given for working fewer hours focused on the reduction in
volumes. One respondent insisted hours have dropped significantly: "Mainly because of the poor weather in January.
'Most of our haulage is building-related, and it was either too cold, wet or icy to get onto sites, so we had few orders placed for stone and gravel delivery."
Another respondent to the survey whose hours have remained about the same noted: "Workload is reduced; however current work is more in-depth!"
Another in the same boat offered this: "Running the business has become harder due to the tough market, but lower volumes means [there is] less acimin, so there is a neutral effect overall."
One manager, whose hours have increased, said: "We're working harder than ever to maintain the same margins.
"Personally, I'm doing more hours, although the drivers are doing less due to current volumes."
A handful of respondents to the survey also noted that they were busier because either their volumes have risen or they are competing for more business,