Third-quarter performance review
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The third quarter was robust for many operators: half of the respondents enjoyed a boost in volumes compared with the same quarter a year ago, while more than a third (36%) saw a boost in profit. Only 13% and 18% suffered drops in volumes and profit respectively.
Not only was 03 better than last year for many, but it was also better than expected: nearly a third said volumes were higher than forecast, while profit was better than expected for more than a quarter (28%).
Only 14% and 18% saw volumes and profit fall behind their forecast for the quarter.
There are no significant differences in responses when analysed by fleet size, operator type or key industry sector other than to note that most operators supplying the construction industry enjoyed a strong 03 with nearly two-thirds (65%) reporting a volume increase and 69% a boost in profit.
It's worth noting that volumes were higher than forecast for 52% of construction hauliers, but only 39% enjoyed a surprise boost in profit.
The outlook for 04 is upbeat: more than half (52%) of respondents expect volumes to be higher than the same time last year, while nearly half (43%) expect profit to increase. Again, construction looks like the place to be with 74% of hauliers in this sector expecting 04 volumes to be higher than a year ago, while 52% of them expect an increase in profit.