Survey reveals indifference from truck operators
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One in five commerical vehicle operators have no idea what they could do to improve the environment, according to a survey by Ryder.
The annual survey found that 20% of operators hod no notion of how to be greener, although 23% suggested better emissions control and the same number opted for better vehicle maintenance.
For the survey 30,000 questionnaires were sent out to own-account operators, including manufacturers, retailers and construction firms, as well as to hire-and-reward hauliers.
John Stocker, Ryder's group director of business development, admits the responses to environmental questions came as a surprise.
He says: "Only 1% recommended intermodal transport and just 7% highlighted more recycling."
The survey also revealed an apparent decrease in the proportion of fleets which are growing. Last year more than half the respondents said they were adding to their fleets but this year it fell to 42%. Despite this, 55% claimed to have definite business expansion plans.
Reliability, price and local service back-up were what most operators wanted from their vehicle suppliers, with 85%, 73% and 67% of respondents respectively saying these were key factors in acquiring vehicles.
"There is a clear message to everyone that customers are increasingly cost conscious, but want local reliable service for their money," says Stocker.
More operators feel better informed about legal changes than last year, suggests the survey. Just under 50% say they are kept fully informed by their vehicle suppliers or those who service their trucks—a rise of 110/0 on 1994.