TPN backs FFUK to stand up for its members By
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Chris Druce THE ASSOCIATION of Pallet Networks' decision to back the FairFuelUK (I,I,UK) campaign is an "opportunity to stand up for our members" and a development that should allow hauliers to reengage with their customers over the issue of rates, the head of The Pallet Network (TPN) has said.
MD of TPN Adam Leonard said the association's decision, announced in January, made perfect sense as fuel remains one of the biggest costs pallet network members face.
Speaking to CM as part of our Great Rate Debate series (see p16 for full interview), Leonard said the existing fuel surcharge adopted by hauliers has been unfairly perceived as an all-inclusive rate rise by some customers. This "inequitable" situation has meant conversations about increasing operating cost (excluding fuel) have become difficult. This puts further pressure on hauliers simply attempting to cover their costs.
"We've asked our members to sign up [to 1,I,UK] and we hope they will be promoting it to customers, as it's another opportunity to demonstrate to them why these rates aren't sustainable," said Leonard.
Ahead of the Budget on 20 March, Leonard said of the push to win a fuel duty cut: "A freeze is OK, but then don't we all agree that the element of taxation is still too high? It's not just about stopping the increase — we now need to lower that element [of fuel duty]."