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Fuel rip-offs at source, pump and depot
Page 82
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Sandy Bruce shakes his head at rogues and...fuel companies.
Heard the one about the rogue driver who is approaching hauliers looking for work,being taken on and within a week or so using company fuel cards to defraud his new employer of considerable sums of money? Sadly its not just an old wives' tale. I feel a little silly and embarrassed to admit that we were one such company, which cost us something in the region of £2,000.
I know Commercial Motor is reporting on the subject and that the police are being as helpful as possible but I urge all CM readers to advise all their staff responsible for taking on drivers to take this matter very seriously indeed-We were caught out in a small depot, in an area where such crime is not normally expected.
Check addresses
The driver presented himself in a proper way and claimed he had just moved into the area to live with his girlfriend,so we took him on. I would now recommend that at the very least addresses are checked and verified for all new employees until this rogue is caught.
Last week, with some of my colleagues from the industry, I attended a meeting (organised in conjunction with the RHA) with local Labour MPs.We put forward the case that road haulage is being seriously hurt by the current rising cost of fuel and since we have no choice but to pass on the increases, our customers — the transport users — will be the ultimate losers.
This is particularly significant in north-east Scotland , where our customers are so far from their markets.
Without relating the whole story I should like to make the point that if all hauliers were to make appointments and actually talk to their MPs and put across the case that the current fuel cost, which is mainly tax, is costing manufacturing jobs and thereby votes, then I am sure they would get a sensible hearing.
You might also wish to take along a few customers, as we did, to endorse the point that the pain is felt down the line. Remember, MPs are legally obliged to meet and listen to their constituents and, more importantly, there is an election coming up next year. Now is the time to make our voice heard.
Profit skim?
As a final point, can anyone explain tonic why, as I write this, despite oil prices having fallen 15% in the past week the buying price for diesel has only dropped by 3%? This is also the year when Shell and BP have armounced record profits.
I apologise for what is almost becoming a fixation with regard to fuel and will make every effort to find something else for discussion in next month's issue!