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TruckNetUK's Rikki Chequer spots a few green shoots, but notices it's still doom and gloom across the forums.
Page 9
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Are we starting to see the green shoots of recovery? Or is it just the weeds pushing through? The forums give a very mixed view. For sure, some people are reporting it is now possible to change employers more easily, and agency drivers are saying shifts are starting to be offered more regularly. In the 'Owner-drivers' forum, a few operators are talking about upgrading or even increasing their fleets. The driving schools who help out with advice in the 'New-and-wannabe-drivers' forum also say bookings remain strong. All good, positive signs.
However, the general mood garnered from comments is that most people are sitting tight and waiting for something a bit more spectacular to signify the end of the recession.
Shift pay for agency drivers is still well below what was being offered before the economy took a nosedive. Owner-drivers are still being hit by rate cuts, especially those in the quarry market, and all the operators are incredulous/ annoyed that in these extremely hard times, the government has gone ahead with the recent fuel duty increase a financial pressure most are going to have to try to absorb themselves as they chase work.
Ever since the markets crashed, members of the haulage industry posting on the forums have commented about the lack of support for a sector already hard-hit by foreign competition and high duties. Over a period of time, this has shown through in angry, bitter, and depressing posts on the forums.
Most blame the government for failing to see the damage it is inflicting, as well as being insensitive to the industry's plight. Now the mood seems to be one of resignation.
In a forum chat, a couple of operators revealed that, even if the industry returns to the pre-recession levels of work and rates tomorrow, they will still be looking for a way out. As one said: "No longer do I have the will to stay in an industry that the authorities seem to take a delight in kicking when it is down."