State parcels rates to rise
Page 21
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• Two National Freight Corporation parcels companies have been given the go-ahead for rates increases of up to 12+ per cent, taking effect from the end of this month. The rises have, it is understood, been cleared by the Prices and Incomes Board as necessary to cover costs. National Carriers Ltd. and BRS Parcels Ltd. are the concerns whose tariffs are being adjusted.
The general haulage companies, to whom fixed tariffs do not apply, are also expected to seek increases but not necessarily as high as 12+, per cent. A spokesman told CM, this week that the British Road Services Ltd. companies had their rates "under review".
These increases follow rate rises of from 10 to 15 per cent by private hauliers in some areas and traffics. PIB approval of &ate parcels charges makes it look unlikely that the Board will be asked to pursue the matter of rates increases by specialist groups of the RHA.
The Ministry of Transport had asked for (and received) details of cost increases which RHA groups, notably express carriers, had notified to members with a recommendation to look at rates. The implied suggestion was that if the cost increases did not stand up to scrutiny, the action of the RHA groups would be referred to the PI B because it came close to the "blanket increase" system which the Board had condemned.