Little guys winning?
Page 18
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Did I read your article right? Is the little guy at last beginning to get his own back? I refer to the story reporting that TOG subsidiary Beck & Pollitzer had difficulty finding subcontractors to work on the rates it offered for its contract with Courage Breweries. (CM 28Ju1-3 Aug).
For far too long the big boys have been able to go after the large contracts on the backs of us little guys, by offering low quotes. They have the knowledge, that providing they do sufficient to keep the client happy, they can turn a profit offering work on a return load basis.
The big boys should take note that the thin gruel train has hit the buffers and it is time for all of us to have a chance to make a decent and holiest living. They do not do the industry credit by running their businesses in such a manner, for in doing so they force the weaker to cut corners to survive.
Hopefully the likes of B&P will at last see that it makes sense to make a rate for the job that will more truly reflect the cost of moving goods from A to B. If not, then will it not be too much to hope that they get what they deserve. D Henderson Hook Norton, Ox.lbrdshire.
Screen gripe
Ali regard to your
article TV licence is no corer /or cab set, how can the TVL warrant payment of a full price licence for watching a 3-4in TV screen (CM14-20 July)? If this is to become a
petty law by the TVI., will the same ruling apply to caravan users who cannot bear to leave the TV set at home? Or are hard-working truckers always going to pay for their home comforts while earning an honest living. C L Creswell Mansfield, Notts.
What's new?
T read with interest the iarticle on international consortiums (CM 28 Jul-3 Aug). Haulage consortiums are not new. One of our members. Premier Distribution, had working arrangements with hauliers in other parts of the country pre-war--such agreements are now more formal.
As a result Palletline was formed about three years ago. At the time it was the the only consortium offering a next-day nationwide service specifically for the one, two and three-pallet size consignments. All members of Palletline own shares in the hub-based company, which gives the system stability and strength. Palletline's theory is not to have as many members as possible or to make money out of selling areas. It prefers to give long-established companies, with a proven track record, an area that offers them economy of scale. Palletline makes its money by moving pallets, not by selling franchises.
It has 28 companies in the group, with more than 90 depots throughout Europe. Bob Rus.sett Chairman, Pallet/inn, Coventry