A FREIGHT-AGENCY OFFER.
Page 21
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Cutting the Rate for Return Loads—a Proceeding to be Discountenanced.
MEE AVOIDANCE of empty running .1 is a problem which has ever beset every form of transport, but we are not aware that the road-transport vehicle suffers in this regard any more than the railway train or truck, the steamship or the barge. The operation of a single vehicle or a fleet of vehicles in such a manner as to reduce empty running to a minimum is perfectly understood by owners who have acquired a certain amount of experience; they know where to look for loads amongst merchants and through established freight contractors. There are also a few freight agencies, out of a large number promoted after the war, which have succeeded mainly because they have had support from local Chambers of Corninerce. The problem is now being grappled with anew by the Amalgamated Transport Agency, Ltd., of Dane's Inn House, 265, Strand, London, W.C.2, a circular from which, undated and unsigned, lies before us.
We reproduce the contents of the circular Amalgamated Transport Agency, Ltd., "Dane's Inn House, " 265, Strand, London, W.C.2.
"The question of transport is important because it affects all classes of business in every part of the kingdom. Cheaper transport means reduced cost of living; therefore, your personal interests are involved.
"The head office of this agency is at the above address. We propose to establish a branch agent in each of the various trade centres and seaside resorts throughout the country,. We anticipate, having the support of all the motor transport and passenger car people. Our united efforts will greatly increase road transport, and bring the cost considerably below the charges made by the large corporations who at present control this very important branch of the
country's business"We invite you to look carefully into
our proposition, and, after you have done so, we are sure of your -support. There is money in it for you.
"For example:— " Suppose you are sending a vanload of furniture to Bournemouth, the cost of which, say, is £30. You deliver the furniture and collect your money. In the ordinary course your van would return empty, but, if you are a member of the Amalgamated Transport Agency, you get in touch with our office and let us know at what date your van will be coming back to London, and we will inform our Bournemouth agent, who will undertake to get a return load for you. The charge for the return load would be about 60 per cent, of the regular one-way rate.
"The same method and charges apply whether yours is a goods van or a passenger car. In either case all the money you receive for the return trip will be extra profit, for you may not always be sure of getting a load for your home journey, so you base your charge on the assumption that your van will come back empty. This rule will apply to all parts of the country. Transport people will generally co-operate with us, because It means increased business and greater profits.
"We ask you to become a member of the Amalgamated Transport Agency. The membership charge is one guinea. This entitles you to the services of this office and of our branch offices for one year. Immediately we receive notice from you that you will have a van returning from one point to another at a given date, our agent will arrange co meet your needs. You would be re quired to pay us 12 per cent, of ale amounts you receive for return loads which have been secured for you by our agency, whether yours is a goods van or a passenger car."
It will thus be seen that, in this circular no new light is thrown upon the problem, and that no evidence is produced of any special ability to provide the required return loads. As a matter of fact, some of the statements call for criticism, but before dealing with them seriatim, we shall be glad to hear from those hauliers who have had, or have sought, business dealings with the Agency.