OPINIONS FROM OTHERS.
Page 30
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The Editor invites ,correspondence on all subjects connected with the use of commercial mot'ors. Letters should be pn one side of the paper only and typewritten by preference. The right of abbreviation is reserved, and 'no responsibility for views expressed is accepted.
Clearing Houses and the Haulier.
The Editor, TEE cOMMERCIAL MOTOR.
[1790] Sir,—I note that, in an article under the heading "The Upholding of Rates and Fare gehedules "in your issue of the 4th inst., you state that " The clearing houses have not helped the .haulier—rather they have played into the hands of the producer of ...merchandise an particularly to those running their own vehicles."
From this statement it appears that the writer of the article in question has not made a careful study of the_effeet of clearing houses on rates and the assistance they have given the haulage contractors.
Members of this association are well aware that they have been of considerable help to haulage contractors in the following ways :—
(1) The operations of the clearing, houses have diverted large blocks of traffic from the rail on to the road, thus providing additional work for haulage. contractors.
(2) Many owner-driverS• and small concerns have practically depended on the clearing houses for work.
(3) Preference has always been given to the haulage contractor as regards the-distribntion of loads from the clearing houses, as the association recognizes that the haulage contractor, is dependent upon haulage work for a livelihood, and it is most essential that he should be kept on the road, as he performs
valuAle service to the trading community who do not possess their own vehicles.
(-4) Clearing houses in many eases have tended to stabilize rates on an economic basis.
Regarding the cutting Of rates. My experience leads me to the opinion that the greatest enemies the haulage contracter•has to contend with are the other members of his oWn-trade, who, owing to their being in a weak financial position., accept practically any rate, whether it pays or not. This is suicidal policy, as I have frequently pointed out, but their answer is " we must have, money to pay our inen's wages."
The rock-bottom of the difficulty is the slump in trade, the supply of lorries being greater. than the demand, . together with the large numbei of inexperienced concerns now trading as haulage contractors.
. Rates will automatically rise to a more econoirtie figure as trade improves.—Yours faithfully,
THE ASSOCIATION OF ROAD TRANSPORT CLEARING HOUMA.
Liverpool. J. F.. SHAW, Chairman.
Tyres and Springing of Commercial Vehicles.
• The Editor, THE COMMERCIAI, MOTOR.
[17n11 Sir,—In expressing our disappointment that the " Giant " pneumatic interests have not seen fit te defend their claims, and have ignored the challenge 'of the Palladium double-cantilel'er vehicle on solid tyres, We shauld like to observe that we thought it was " Beer Rabbit" alone who had the reputation for "lying low and saying puffin " when there was any trouble beating up. It appears, however, that in future we shall have to couple "Bier Giant" with " 13rer Rabbit," unless, perhaps, as somebody ba-s suggested to, us, the attitude of the " Giant" is that. of " too proud to fight." •
Be that as it may, the plain man and the industry n96 have been robbed of a contest that would, we feel sure, have been of more than passing interest and one that would, Moreover,-have opened their eyes to the possibilities of improved inspensien for commercial vehicles and the trend of future progress. If time had been more propitious, we should have been quite willing to bear the whole of the " Giant's " expenses, as well as our own; to remove any excuse for his non-acceptance of our challenge, and should he change his mind at any time., we shall be ready to Jo our share.
Before bidding him farewell, may we be allowed -to' .express our appreciation to yon, sir, for the interest and the impartiality you have, displayed in endeavouring to arrange this contest, and our thanks for the manner in which yen have net our demands oil your valuable space.—Yours For PALLADIUM Al7TOCARS, LTD.
• J. Ross MACMATION, 'Managing Director.
Delay in Obtaining Spares.'
The Editor, TEE COMMERCIAL. MOTOR.,
[1792] Sir,—Will you kindly allow me to make public in Our correspondence columns my experience in trying to obtain spares for an Anierican wagon. (not a Ford)? I think such matters should be hi-ought to light tothe interests of other haulage contractors.
• A 25 Days' Hold-up.
December 16th.—Ordered a piston for an American wagon.
December .21st.:—Reeeived letter promising dispatch immediately.
December 24th.--Received order form to he filled
. January 1st-, 1921.—Received pro forma invoice. January ME—Received receipt for reinittance. January .8th.----Received wire "sending to-day." Jamlary 10th.—Received piston.
—Yours faithfully, R.H.W.
Taxation on Reserve Vehicles.
The Editor, TEE COMMERCIAL MOTOR.
11793] Sir,—Your article. on'" Taxation on Reserve Vehicles" is what I have been looking far. Are the taxes too stiff for the start, as every mechanical vehicle Using the road little or much has to pay'? I am inclined to think they are. In my case I have five, but only intend at present to pay on three, as my work is casual, anciewhilt with repair's and variation of the work, it. is impossible always to have thein out at one time.
My contention is that a firm 'with a fleet should either be taxed on a sliding scale, or, as some insurance companies issue policies, " so many out at a time," in the 'case of five, any four out at on time,' and pay on four. It would be' quite easy to issue a special lieeace So described or otherwise arranged.
Do the tradeintend. to tack on this extra taxation or shouldere it themselves? I am afraid competition will -compel them to accept the-latter burden.
Appreciating your comments.—Yours faithfully, Warren Row.
CRAB PRIOR.