)on't chicken out
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In the wake of the recent Scottish pay settlement haulage contractors are inevitably asking themselves the question: Is this the time to get out? Bob Wilson, a Scottish haulier who pioneered standard rates, has some personal experience of getting out of transport in times of adversity. Today he is back in the business and offers some advice to those who are considering their-future.
doubt many small and middlecontractors faced with big wage -ns are wondering: "Is it worthle? Let's get out now while we can lin reasonable prices for cies." If they do, what a loss to trade. While they are contemplatgetting out with something to ., many others up to the ears in without proper servicing facilities not give in so easily. Firstly. they nothing to lose and very little to other than cause further destructo our trade.
uring October, 1971, I said I oughly agreed with parity and ormity of wages throughout the [age industry. Despite the atists who remain in the backInd doing nothing regards rate cases, we who strive, for better s and are greatly ontnumbered, patience could win the battle in end.
speak with authority and experi! to those who may be toying with dea of selling out, as I did, during rike, after building a business -1 one vehicle to 45 plus plant hire 35 years. In order to bring the :e to an end (which was affecting whole of Fife) I felt someone just to make a move. I did, but not out giving it deep thought. It was art-rending decision to make and 2.. our yard was more or less
I thought at first my world come to an end. However, I was onally involved with another lage business in the area, therethe blow was not as hard as it Id have been.
at the yard
ater, the urge to restart became strong and once again I became ; of the yard in which I was born bred and now operate 30 vehicles tiding machines plus retaining my partnership in the other business with a very close friend. So! warn many of you, who have haulage in your blood: Don't allow anyone or this wage increase, which can be overcome, to push you out of business.
Play the game, not only which you enjoy best but also the one at which you are most experienced. Do not attempt at this late stage, to escape from a self-created jungle, but rather make a stand using all your experi • ence and initiative to create much better trading conditions; have meetings and frank discussions with your fellow contractors who are no doubt in the same boat.
You are no longer just contractors but investors putting-hard-earned cash into vehicles costing 0,000 to £15,000: Total fleets are a very large capital investment indeed. You now have the right to question customers more deeply regarding rates and continuity of employment especially when the return on the amounts invested is dependent, in the main, on an "as and when required" means of Owner-drivers can be a problem, however. All are not of the same calibre and are mainly dependent on larger contractors showing example. It is important that your association or group supplies you with some down to earth information, as to what charges or rates are required to operate individual types of vehicles. All members should apply the suggested rates.
I maintain the problems existing today in the tipping trade are similar to those of 20 years ago, mostly selfcreated. However, 1 suggest if you had been properly informed and organized over the past 10 years regarding the need for a proper rate structure then this would have minimized the impact of this latest wage explosion, which in my opinion has been on the cards for many years. During April, 1972 I forecast haulage rates would increase by 25 per cent, wages by 40 per cent and forward-thinking people including builders, vehicle operators and manufacturers should think aloud and alike regards the need for gradual change in the rate structure rather than have the situation I predict explode in their face.
If all the vehicle operators in the country were to operate by the book en masse, using pencil and paper, vehicle operations would become a profitable and enjoyable profession, but much costlier to the transport users who have for many years, enjoyed depressed haulage rates derived from hard and lengthy hours of work. What about the much-debated mileage bonus created and practised by hauliers, not the customers? Please don't blame your drivers or your customers for the state your trade is in, as I am afraid, you must accept the responsibility. Your largest problem is that you are scared of each other and more important, scared you would lose customers to one another.
A fair wage
Your drivers are entitled to a fair wage owing to the responsibility they have in comparison to other employees in various industries, and if this means increasing your longneglected rates then I suggest you do it now. No doubt your customers will fully understand the position after examining their own wage structure within the precincts of the premises to which your drivers may he delivering goods.
It is now five years since lain Sherriff, CM' s deputy editor, at one of our local meetings forecast the 40 hour, £40 week, and it's here.... Those wishing to commence bettering conditions in their individual areas will no doubt have critics, but I suggest you disregard them. No doubt they will tag along, as you make progress.
You may ask if our house is tidy in Fife and Central Scotland.... The answer is "Yes, fairly tidy". At least, we are always on guard.
Don't be surprised if you make little headway in a few months; we have been at it for 10 years.
Those buying money to purchase vehicles would be well advised to stick to the rules of the game or they will be in trouble.