Concerted Effort by Road Transport Operators Essential
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MANY of the industries of this country have each an association dealing with the . peculiar interests concerned and affording a powerful means for protection, not only against internal friction, but against harmful external influences and legislation which might unduly limit legitimate business and expansion.
Too Many Associations.
In the road-transport industry, however, we find such a multiplicity of associations that it is difficult for the uninitiated operator to ascertain which it would be to his advantage to join. This applies particularly on the haulage side of goods transport. It may be claimed that all such bodies are links in the general scheme, but the old adage concerning the weakest link still holds good.
The chief difficulty is that goods transport covers such a wide variety of work that the various sections, even amongst hauliers, present their own particular problems, but each body formed to concern itself with these individual matters should, at least, be linked to one or other.. of the national associations.
The average haulier feels—and rightly so—that it is necessary to be a member of a body which will link him with his fellows. His first consideration, however, is often a financial one, and he becomes an easy victim of any association which demands only a small fee, often on the strength of glowing promises which mature reflection would show to be impossible of fulfilment without the practical help and sympathy of some more influential organization. The method of obtaining new members is often by canvass, and the men concerned, being paid on commission,. are naturally anxious to obtain as many new' members as possible and are prone to slight exaggeration in the presentation of their individual cases. It is, therefore, advisable for the candidate for membership to consider certain basic factors, these being the length of time the association has been established, its record of work on behalf of the industry, its national and local prestige, present financial condition and ability to provide the benefits promised.. Other matters of importance are the regularity of meetings and the facilities for being represented and for obtaining expeditiously any urgent information which may be required.
Much of the work of a powerful association should be the representation of its members before the Traffic Commissioners, and the keeping of a constant watch on the introduction of Government measures by Act of Parliament or the issue of regulations, with a view to combating any legislation likely to have an adverse effect upon its members.
A Factor Which Counts.
Now, more than at any time in the past, is it essential for every goods-transport operator to be adequately represented. The mere fact that he is a member of a powerful association is a factor which is bound to weigh in his favour in dealings with licensing authorities, etc., particularly if the association concerned be known to be active in its battles against repressive legislation, cut rates and other such matters of vital interest to the in dustry. In the future, the obtaining of fresh licences may be a far more difficult matter than is the case at present, and the man without a sound backing will obviously not stand such a good chance as he who is powerfully represented.
Light Vans an Asset to the Small Tradesman
UDGING by the number of inquiries we have recently been receiving for advice concerning the choice of light vans, there seems to be an increasing demand for this type, particularly in the class not exceeding 10 cwt. Interest appears to be taken in both petrol and electrically propelled machines, but, perhaps, more generally in the former. The fact that there are now about 30 manufacturers producing petrol and electric three and four-wheeled vans in this class lends conviction to this view of their popularity.
Delivery by bicycle or horsed van is not without its advantages, but its scope is extremely limited, and once the employment of such methods has been superseded—particularly in the case of the latter—it is hardly ever resumed, whilst the former can satisfactorily serve only the smallest of tradesmen. Beyond the bare delivery of goods to local consumers, the service of a van is almost indispensable. Where a concern has more than one shop or depot it is practically a necessity.
Insurance and taxation costs are low, fuel consumption is surprisingly moderate, the maintenance of modern machines is a simple matter, and they are commendably easy to drive. The same applies to the battery electric, which possesses the additional advantage of absolute silence and particular suitability for frequent starting and stopping. The equipment for battery charging is certainly an extra expense, but not a big one, and no great specialized knowledge is required for looking after the storage cells. Electric vehicles, furthermore, are durable to a high degree.
Some manufacturers have made great efforts to supply complete vehicles expressly equipped for certain -blades, notably for market-gardeners' use, bakery work, grocery carrying, window cleaning and milk distribution. In the last-named case the electric three-wheeled " prams" are attractive.
Improved Maintenance Methods Necessary
CAUSTIC comments are being made by the Licensing Authorities of certain areas concerning the condition of some of the goods vehicles that they are asked to license. The examiners are reporting defects in important components which can,, have resulted only from the shortsighted policy of neglecting frequent inspection and careful maintenance. The moderate prices at which excellent British-built labour-saving equipment is offered make this attitude the more difficult to defend.
Responsibility for inefficient maintenance cannot be placed entirely on the shoulders of smaU hauliers, for some operators of large fleets, who should know better, are also guilty of this laxity. The system (if it can thus be termed) of waiting until a breakdown occurs before attention is given to a vehicle must inevitably lead to increased expense, particularly as the machine may have to be withdrawn from service.
Haphazard maintenance is often accompanied by. inadequate costing systems and inconsiderate treatment of employees, and, again, large operators have sometimes to be included amongst the defaulters. It appears that on the average ancillary users, although they do not rely upon their vehicles for their livelihoods, give more care to the upkeep of their motors and to the preparation of cost statistics than do many hauliers.