Thoughts on Haulage Control
Page 36
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Soundness of Plan Not Denied in View of Present Conditions: Possibilities of Extension Considered: Opportunity the Industry Missed
By " Tantalus "
ALREADY ,the new M. of W.T. scheme -for the control of long-distance transport has been accorded considerable publicity and this, doubtless, will be increased -as more precise details become available and before the scheme actually becomes operative at some date yet to be
revealed, but lying between pecember 1 and January 1. Until such time detailed criticism must be withheld. The facts as known, however, do provide sufficient information upon which to base comment in general terms. . To certain observers it has been apparent for some time past that the launching of a, scheme on this or similar lines was inevitable if the M: of W.T. plan to rationalize the carriage and distribution of goods was to become really effective. .
There are some 60,000 hauliers operating approximately 150,000 vehicles. They form an important section of the industry which—by reason of its make-up—is diverse and individualistic ,and, moreover, flexible, mobile and enter. prising. At the same time it must 'be admitted that these very qualities have been responsible in some degree for the wasteful, and uneconomic operation of vehicles. It must be assumed, therefore, that the scheme has been designed to eliminate such waste in the use of vehicles. On this score, and having regard to the acute scarcity of rubber, no, one is likely to deny the soundness of this planning. Naawithstanding the fact that road traaasport. already , is subject to countless resteictions in one form or another; these have proved inadequate so far, as reduction in the overlapping of services and waste of carrying capacity are concerned.
• Generally speaking, transport should be grouped ,with the other main utility services, e.g., gas, electricity and water, which should function for the benefit of the corn-' rnunity with charges at an economic level. From this point of view it must be conceded that the new plan for road transport has considerable merit. The actual proof, however, depends upon the operation of the scheme and the extent to which it will serve and benefit the community as a whole. For it must be remembered that the question of transport—which is tied up with the proposals for the unification of road. and rail transport and perhaps other
transport agenciee concerns full national_ public owner., ship and control. It may be that the new plan is a step in this direction; and it is to be hoped that matters of such obvious importance will not be rushed:
Will Haulage Industry Return to the Status Quo?
Whilst the need to save rubber and petrol is readily acknowledged, the fact remains that as much traffic as possible will -be diverted to the railways. Thus the pendulum swings with a vengeance. The new control with its organization of divisions and areas is wide in its implications. In view of all this it is difficult to believe that 'the road-haulage industry ever will revert completely to its former independenee and individualitY, and this despite'the promise of the Government that the new scheme is nierely a war-time measure,
It is fairly safe to assume that, once the plan is well tinclir way, services not affected at present will be similarly controlled. Indeed there can be no logical reason for their exclusion. If it has been found expedient to control one portion of road transport then why not the whole? The limit of 60 miles and over is but a tentative beginning; and the experience gained, doubtless, will provide a basis for more drastic control, which surely. will follow, unless those sections not to be controlled in the near future can get together and produce a scheme of their own which ,would meet M. of.W.T. requirements.
As to-the generalterms of the new plan of control, there
are some point's to Specially noted. Not the least of
• these is that relating to the representative bodies which were not consulted and, therefore, did not assist in the framing of the scheme. These bodies were, in fact, informed only after the scheme had been evolved. This development in the relations between the Ministry and the industry is of paramount significance. Yet it should not have come as a surprise. For since -the days when the Ministry first began actively to interest itself in the operating side of the industry—and having regard to the repeated failures of the industry to sink differences for the common good—it had, become apparent that, sooner or later, the former must act on its own initiative in order to achieve progress. On this courageous step the M. of W.T. is to be congratulated. But what a reflection upon the so-called leaders and the representative bodies! If only those responsible had been endowed with the attributes of statesmanship, governed by a firm determination to sink all differences for the common good of the industry and the Nation, the result might have marked an epoch. Then respect, confidence and gratitude 'would have reigned in place of regret, disappointment and disillusionment.
Hauliers Lost the Opportunity of Achieving Solidarity .
The finest opportunity of achieving solidarity came at the outbreak of the -war, when the conditions and circumstances generally were favourable and conducive to concerted action, so far as the hauliers were concerned. Had there existed at that time a definite resolve to frame a sound and constructive policy for the haulage industry— as apart from association interests—a different story would have been recorded, but the opportunity was lost, quite possibly never to recur.
. Another important factor of the new scheme is the decision to control traifics carried by the C licensees. Such provision may be limited to the primary stages, but will he welcomed generally in the hope that it constitutes the initial step to subsequent wider control for the war period. This must. be so if any scheme for an efficient and economic transport system is to be successful.
A further decision deserving of special mention is that relatingto the retention of their, business identities by owners of controlled vehicles—a decision' both wise and tactful, for it tends to preserve operators' individuality: Thal, the scheme has received most careful thought and preparation is evidenced by the fact that Regional Transport Conimistoners have been dovetailed into its working. Their inclusion as helders of key positions will provide essential stability and, moreover, will banish any element of apprehension.
On the whole the plan -looks good on paper, but results must be judged by the practical application of the principles involved. It will be welcomed by the industry as a war-time necessity and it provides for the M. of W.T. an excellent opportunity of establishing confidence amongst hauliers, through the channels of justice and equity.