'Bad costing' by low-loader applicant
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• The purchase of a 32-ton-gross lowloader was described as "a commercial gamble, nothing short of folly" at a public inquiry in Manchester last week. Flynn Bros. (Contractors) Ltd., Manchester, was applying to transfer a lowloader from C to B licence to enable hire and reward work to contribute towards the vehicle's running costs.
For three objectors, Mr. J. S. Lawton said that, on his own admission, Mr. M. Flynn, a director of the applicant company, knew nothing about the notices required to be given to bridge and local authorities when vehicles under special types orders travelled on the road and that his costings were very badly wrong.
Mr. Flynn said he had bonght the 22ftwell low-loader of 18 tons unladen weight in May for £10,000, to transport the firm's earthmoving and excavation plant. Flynn Bros. had paid £1,500 to low-loader hauliers last year and, despite hidden savings realized from its plant not having to stand while awaiting transport, a further £3,500 worth of haulage work was needed to cover the standing costs of the vehicle. His estimate was £60 per week for such costs, without depreciation.
He had always informed the police of movements made by the vehicle but he did not realize that the Ministry of Transport had to have 48 hours' notice as well.
Mr. C. Mercer, production manager, Joseph Kennedy (Manchester) Ltd., said its asphalt division with 18 items of plant had started four months previously. Existing operators could not usually provide a lowloader in less than 48 hours and idle plant cost money, he said. It was pointed out that Flynn Bros. would have to give notice of a similar duration to the authorities with its large vehicle.
Mr. T. Hamilton, Laham Plant Hire, said he had large wheeled excavation boxes to be moved which it was now unlawful to tow and recently he had lost a week's work through lack of transport.
Area representative of objectors Pickfords heavy haulage, Mr. D. Millar submitted an availability schedule and said he could always call on foreign-based vehicles in the vicinity to assist. Mr. E. J. Walker, director, Robert Walker (Haulage) Ltd., estimated the standing charges to be double Mr. Flynn's figure. "We have to earn £150 per week before we can make any profit," he said.
Refusing the application, Mr. C. R. Hodgson, North Western Licensing Authority said he did not think Mr. Flynn had costed the operation correctly and that the customer witnesses had not discussed rates. "If they had, it would have put a very different complexion on this case," he commented.