Hauliers blame high fuel costs for closures tolu g ruc h e I Three
Page 5
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
haulage firms are to close within a week of each other, citing crippling fuel and vehicle excise costs.
Newton Abbot-based HJT Transport ceased trading last Friday; Dumbarton-based Car
ron Transport will shut down on 31 March and Northern Irish haulier Donnell & Ellis is also selling up (see panel).
Roger Jones, director of general haulage and tipper firm HA says profits dropped off after the company lost a local clay contract about 12 months ago. Given the current cost pressures, he has found it hard to rebuild the business. While he concedes that the Chancellor has gone some way to redress log these issues, Jones says: "The Budget hasn't changed our minds at all. We decided it was time to get out well before then."
Container haulage firm Carron Transport lost a contract to move J&B scotch whisky after J&B's bonded warehouse relocated to Renfrew. Carron director Ron Cameron says this is the main reason for the company's closure. but adds: 'fuel has also been a big factor" Both firms say all debts will be met.
HJT will auction its fleet 0'16 Soania and ERF tractors and trailers on 8 April; for details contact Malcolm Harrison on 01782 372966.
Carron Transport will auction seven tractors and about 25 trailers on 1 April; contact Shidaw Cathcart on 0141248 6939.