Operating cost up 8pc
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VEHICLE OPERATING COSTS are tending to stabilise on an annual rate of increase of around eight per cent according to Freight Transport Association's Cost and Rates report.
However, the figures do not reflect the changes in vehicle excise duty following the change to gross weight taxation in October.
In five of the most important groups of vehicles — five to 7.5 tonne gvw, nine to 13 tonne gvw, 13-16 tonne gvw, 20-26 tonne gvw artics and 32.5 tonne artics — the average mileage run seems to have increased significantly on figures for 18 months ago. This could be a reflection of the pressures on firms to increase vehicle utilisation, the FTA suggests.
Few alterations seem to have taken place in haulage rates during the three months to September, the report states. The average increase for large consignments is 4.5 per cent over 12 months.
Rates for smaller consignments have moved ahead more briskly, and an average increase of 8.5 per cent being recorded.