The magnificent seven
Page 41
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by Johnny Johnson
IN an atmosphere of severe economic recession and falling traffics, the survival of small operating units in road haulage becomes more and more uncertain; perhaps most at risk is the owner-driver.
It is not surprising, therefote, that there is a growing tendency for the small operator to seek others in similar ways of business with whom to share the vicissitudes of today's road haulage operation.
This tendency is much more marked in the field of general haulage, however, though there is evidence that some operators of specialist vehicles are beginning to realise the benefits of co-operation. In Ulster, one tanker operator specialising in the carriage of hazardous loads has formed an unusual co-operative with six others to ensure the safe transport of dangerous material, mainly liquids in bulk.
Geoff Woolley, operating from Dundrod, Co Antrim, has been moving dangerous liquids for some two years. As his business grew, he realised that it would be far more flexible and rewarding to use his own facilities as a servicing department to a number of owneroperators like himself to function in a well-ordered cooperative.
Criteria laid down by Geoff Woolley to govern participation in the co-operative are strict. These govern the type and condition of the vehicle, the experience and financial standing of the operator concerned and include a code of conduct which governs reliability of service and acceptability of rates.
Finally, but not the least important, great emphasis is placed on the training and capability of the individual operator to undertake the transport of hazardous material.
All have been specially trained by the Ulster Road Transport Industry Training Board which runs a two-day diploma course on the transport of hazardous loads.
As well, Mrs Woolley has obtained a similar diploma and acts as " anchorman ' for dealing with incidents on the road as well as being the cooperative's transport manager. She operates this function 24 hours a day.
In the event of a mishap, drivers are conditioned to phone Mrs Woolley first. The view is taken that it is better for Mrs Woolley to warn all the necessary services such as police, fire, ambulance and so on. She can advise fire and ambulance services of the kind of equipment which they will probably need.
She can also alert nearby hospitals as to the number and type of injuries.
Training
The training has underlined the possible dangers which might ensue from accidents involving dangerous goods, and each vehicle is supplied with breathing apparatus and protective clothing for the driver's use.
Critical to the operation is the co-operative's communications system. Constant communication with customers— both those offering trailers and those to whom they are consigned—is maintained.
Through a teleprinter, the co-operative is advised of the trailers or tanks which are being consigned to it for delivery and the nature of the load being carried.
Immediately the arrival in Ulster of the vehicle is confirmed, the customer to whom it is consigned is advised and an estimated time and date of arrival is given. If there is any delay, the consignee is informed and drivers are aware of the importance of keeping Mrs Woolley informed of delays arising in transit.
All rates negotiations are carried on by Geoff Woolley on behalf of the group. Based on vehicle costings, a charge is agreed common to all customers and each owner-driver accepts the same rate less a percentage deduction for central charges and services.
Thus, it does not matter how the work is shared out in relation to the kind of load as each receives a comparable payment.
Nor is the type of trailer significant. Each tractive unit is matched with a trailer incorporating demounting gear and there is one spare trailer with a fixed tank. In this way, the group is able to offer the greatest flexibility in accepting loads.
Among the current customers of the group are companies such as Goodyear Tyre and Rubber Co Ltd, Michelin, Imperial Chemical Industries Ltd, and Courtaulds Ltd, but Geoff Woolley insists that the group's services are provided world wide.
Personal service
Though the group operates. mainly in Ireland, it has access to many other vehicles and it claims that no transport problem is too big for it to handle.
Since it began operations over two years ago, the group has grown into a transport organisation with a reputation for personal service throughout Ireland.
It has plans to expand operations shortly into the transport of bulk powders and specialised dry goods to augment its bulk liquid transport.