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On the sunny side of the street
Page 64
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yes, I have bought a new car — after all, the old N-reg Rover was falling apart and perhaps it wasn't the best way of creating an impression with potential customers.The Volvo estate fits the bill a little bit better. It's professional, but not flashy, and safe —that always helps. And now my third Renault Midlum from Staffs CV has arrived as well. Very good it looks too, with new curtains and a sparkling paint job. As usual, Dave at Staffs CV has done me proud. So I suppose I'm doing pretty well.
yes, I have bought a new car — after all, the old N-reg Rover was falling apart and perhaps it wasn't the best way of creating an impression with potential customers.The Volvo estate fits the bill a little bit better. It's professional, but not flashy, and safe —that always helps. And now my third Renault Midlum from Staffs CV has arrived as well. Very good it looks too, with new curtains and a sparkling paint job. As usual, Dave at Staffs CV has done me proud. So I suppose I'm doing pretty well.
yes, I have bought a new car — after all, the old N-reg Rover was falling apart and perhaps it wasn't the best way of creating an impression with potential customers.The Volvo estate fits the bill a little bit better. It's professional, but not flashy, and safe —that always helps. And now my third Renault Midlum from Staffs CV has arrived as well. Very good it looks too, with new curtains and a sparkling paint job. As usual, Dave at Staffs CV has done me proud. So I suppose I'm doing pretty well. On the work front, things have really taken off.Another local haulage company has given me
a regular job every Tuesday, plus a number of one-off jobs.This has meant having to turn down a small number of other jobs, but I'm not complaining.
The depot work with NYK Logistics has nearly come to an end; at the moment I'm just helping out now and again, so I've been to the bookshop to get myself some up-to-date maps ready to hit the road again. I'm looking forward to doing more driving, actually. I was just getting into it when the NYK opportunity arose. Now that's drawing to a close it will make a pleasant change to get back on the road, especially now the sun has
(mostly) started to shine. Even my drivers seem pretty happy at the moment. Their earnings have increased and the site landlord has relocated our parking area inside a secure compound, right next to the entrance. It saves running the gauntlet with the artic boys, and makes things a bit more secure.
With the new truck on the road and plenty of work coming in things are the best they have been since I started. Even my first breakdown (mechanical, that is) couldn't dent my confidence. I think I can count myself lucky.
The driver had stopped in a layby and when he tried to start the vehicle, it was dead."Here we go," I thought. "Friday before a bank holiday in South Wales and a vehicle parked on the side of the road five miles outside Newport. It's going to be one of those days!"
I made one phone call to Staffs CV, who contacted the local dealer. Within the hour, the truck was back on the road. Now that's what I call service. I remember from my days as a transport manager when trucks could wait two hours or more for a fitter to arrive, and that was considered normal. So all in all I have to agree I
am doing rather well at present. The trucks are busy, work keeps coming in and at last I'm in control of the admin.
One thing that is starting to worry me a bit, though, is the impending increase in fuel prices.When I started I was paying 63.65p/lit; now I'm paying 69.75p.A dramatic increase could leave me in a difficult position,I've started to gain work and to suddenly put up my rates would be suicide.
I don't feel the need to panic just yet, but I seriously need to analyse my outgoings For instance, should! be looking at changing my fuel supplier?
One thing Jam currently looking at is the tariff I pay on our mobile phones to see if I could improve the deal. Other than fuel and phones I can't see any other areas to save costs.
The drivers haven't had an increase on their hourly rate (I no longer deduct breaks), tyre costs are minimal and insurance isn't something to scrimp on (you could get a very cheap deal, but then have terrible problems when trying to claim). I just need to make sure I'm reducing costs as much as possible. •