Operating A BIG FLEET on SHORT-DISTANCE
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HAULAGE
BACKED by the Road and Rail Traffic Act, 1933, and encouraged by the railways, the Licensing Authorities intend to limit long-distance road haulage, and the position of the small, less-established operator engaged in this class of work is becoming one of some insecurity. This view is confirmed by a recent statement of Col. A. S. Redman, the West Midland Licensing Authority, who remarked that he would have to consider whether " the roads ought to be encumbered " with longdistance traffic which could be handled by the railways. He admitted, however, that road transport possessed distinct advantages for short distances.
Short-distance Haulage Prospects.
Thus, in the opinion of, the railway companies, at least, "an equitable division of the functions of road and rail transport" will be secured. The effect of this " division " may well be a change-over from long-distance to short-distance work by a number or operators, resulting in still keener competition in the latter business. It is, however, a section of the haulage industry that will probably be allowed to function with comparative freedom from restrictions.
. One of the concerns that the administration of the Act should not affect to a considerable extent is Charles Poulter, Ltd., 47, Broad Street, London, E.1, as most of its extensive business is conducted within a radius of 15 miles of B26 London. Founded over 50 years ago by the late Mr. Charles Poulter, the company has attained a prominent position in the road-haulage industry and operates over 100 motor vehicles and trailers, as well as approximately the same number of horses.
The majority of the vehicles is of the heavy type and some have oil engines. The makes principally represented in the fleet are Armstrong-Saurer, Saurer, Latil, Ford and Morris-Commercial. A comparatively recent acquisition is a Lath l Traulier, which, in conjunction with a Dyson eight-wheeled trailer, is giving excellent service. The outfit has climbed the steep River Hill, Sevenoaks, with a 14-ton load.
The company holds several important contracts for haulage for shipping companies, some of which call for the use of 30-40 vehicles daily. Much of the traffic consists of heavy ironwork, such as boilers.
Amongst the tasks that the Charles Poulter organization has successfully _performed is the haulage of a, number of 62-ft. girders, each weighing 12 tons, from Millwall, London, E., into Essex. A lorry. and -a two-wheeled trailer, the -latter having been specially constructed for the purpose, were employed for, this work.
Economical Oilers.
During an interview with a representative of The Commercial Motor, Mr. .A. H. Park, manager of the concern, expressed himself as being satisfied with the performance of the ArmstrongSa.urer oilers, which are operating economically and require little attention. No difficulty is experienced in starting, so long as the batteries are well charged.
One Samer 6-tonner covered 78,127 miles before any component showed signs of requiring replacement; even then, only two brake shoes and the starting-handle socket called for renewal. During this period, no attention was needed, other than the usual minor adjustments. Another Saurer travelled 69,272 miles on a set of Goodyear tyres before the first puncture was experienced. This figure is the more remarkable in view of the class of work upon which the vehicle is engaged, involving, as it does, the transport of heavy loads, and frequent stopping and starting in congested streets.
First-class Vehicles.
It is the policy of the company to purchase first-class vehicles and supplies, as well as to maintain the inter est of drivers in their work by paying fair wages. The value ef efficient drivers is fully appreciated and a special record is compiled to check the efficiency of each man, and, in this way, it is possible to ascertain at a glance whether or not a driver is pulling his weight.
As well as providing a concise record of the weekly work of each man, this system obviates the need for employing numerous inspectors to call at loading and unloading points to ascertain that no unnecessary delays occur. The delays involved in_dock,work are already considerable and further wastage of time—and, consequently, money—cannot be tolerated.
Each driver makes a daily report on a sheet that provides for data including the following:—Descriptions of the goods carried, weights, journeys, times of arrival at loading points and periods spent in loading, times of returning to office, mileage covered, and gallons of petrol used and left in the tank.. A copy of these sheets was placed before the Ministry of Transport as a guide in the preparation of the records required to be compiled by goodsvehicle operators under the Road and Rail Traffic Act, 1933.
Careful Records of Cost.
Each haulage task is priced on the driver's docket. Records of the cost per mile of each lorry are kept, and it is interesting to note that the figures obtained are a little lower than the average costs contained in The Commercial Motor Tables of Operating Costs. Mr. Park finds that these Tables are of considerable value in checking cost figures.
Each week a double-page statement is presented to the directors, showing the total earnings of each department of the company, as compared with the sums paid in wages. As in the case of many transport businesses, wages comprise a large percentage of the total expenses.
The company has several offices in London—one being in the City and another at the docks — in order to maintain close contact with customers. In view of the local nature of the work, little difficulty is, we understand, experienced in complying with the regulations governing drivers' hours.
It is part of the company's policy to maintain vehicles in firstclass order and to use them as publicity media.