In praise of dealers
Page 28
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T feel I must write to you to I defend that much maligned object "the dealer". After the purchase of our Volvo FL12 420 we experienced four problems with the vehicle. Westward Commercials and Stuarts Commercials dealt with the problems promptly and most of all, understandingly, no matter how small the niggle. The
way they took the flak must be commended.
The usual idea of the dealer that "the money is ours and the problem is yours" was not experienced. When your readers malign these people, remember that eventually they will sort it out to your satisfaction, as they did ours.
Exescroft International, Exeter, Devon.
Pressure on drivers
Reading the DOT's advice on how drivers should avoid fatigue (in your 7-13 September issue) filled me with an all too familiar despair since I have been driving professionally for more than 25 years and believe you me, the last thing any hard pissed operator is prepared to listen to is complaints by drivers who are tired.
Why this uncaring lack of concern for their drivers, subcontractors, not to mention the pedestrians who could, and occasionally do, get mown down by drivers too tired to make instant decisions?
Money. As you report issue after issue, customers are demanding more for less. Every contract involves a lower price, longer miles. Operators pass on these pressures direct to drivers, who sometimes, inevitably, pass them on to others. It's been obvious for years that the dealmakers in our industry are prepared to give up service if they cut costs. This is a catastrophe that stalks the industry. And it will not stop at service, nor drivers' health. It will go on to affect everybody.
The DOT's advice to drink two cups of coffee is frankly, daft, and misdirected. It needs to direct its attentions at sorting out the real problems behind these issues. Leonard McKie, Lincoln.
D Commercial Motor has been talking to drivers about this problem; see Driver's News on page 18—Ed.
Commercial Motor welcomes readers' letters, which can be phoned in on 0181-652 3689 (24-hour service) or faxed on 0181-652 8969. They may be edited for length and do not necessarily represent the views of the editor.