'Sub-contractors frustrate me' -caravan dealer
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THE Metropolitan LA this week reserved his
decision on an application by a second-hand caravan dealer who wants to use his own transport to ensure that Continental delivery dates are met and thereby avoid sub-contractors whose service he said, is erratic and expensive.
Mr. Ronald Gold, managing director of Sidebrook Transport Ltd., applied for an A licence for three vehicles. When the hearing opened on December 2, Mr. Richard Yorke, for the applicant, said Mr. Gold had developed a big business selling second hand caravans to European buyers.
But his export turnover had dropped and one of the main reasons was his inability to meet delivery dates because of hold-ups by subcontractors.
He eventually got so frustrated with the service he was getting from sub-contractors, that he bought three vehicles to haul the caravans to the ports.
In evidence Mr. Gold said that one difficulty with sub-contractors was that some tended to offer two rates.
"One was a rate for which they were prepared to do a job provided they got a return load. Secondly, if I needed to meet a delivery date certain contractors could not arrange a return load and the price asked completely put any profit margin out of the picture and I would be working for the contractors rather than for myself".
Mr. Richard Storey said he was representing six objector firms who could tow and carry caravans-Telfers Caravan Towing Service, Buckinghamshire Caravans, Beeching Caravans (Cardiff) Ltd., and C. and C. Towing, P. J. Griffin Ltd. and Boxhill Towing Caravan Service.
Representatives of these firms said in evidence they were available to haul Mr. Gold's caravans without delay and at reasonable charges.
Asking for the application to be refused, Mr. Storey said there had been no evidence from any Continental buyer to say he was unable to buy caravans because of delays in meeting the delivery dates.