Hauliers must co-operate
Page 31
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It seems like only yesterday we were mourning the loss of the old A/B system. Today we have a new one; those who have a pound or two and those who don't. Those with very little are those who, when work was plentiful, caused havoc in our ranks, but now I am afraid they have reached their tether's end, many will go to the wall, never to return.
Today's and tomorrow's price of vehicles and spares, plus high HP rates will govern the amount of vehicles
available for hire and reward. Those who intend surviving the next 12 months, should keep in mind the cost of replacing the older vehicles they are at present idling along with and also the haulage rates
necessary to survive.
Despite ever increasing operating costs, haulage rates remain static and in many cases have been cut to the bone. Haulage rates will not increase while too, many vehicles chase too few jobs, However, as vehicles disappear and fleets of thirty become twenty, vehicle operators of the future will be in a position to request proper rates to more than equal the amount invested. Today's rates 12 months hence will require it to be increased by 30 per cent due to two years' neglect.
An average fleet, valued at £125,000 three years ago would cost approximately double that figure today to replace. We have many examples throughout the country where vehicle replacement has been neglected due to hand to mouth existence. Total fleets of old type tippers would not, if sold. make enough to purchase one new average type six-wheeler.
I repeat, as in the past, to those wishing to survive, smaller more compact fleets is the only answer and if possible, preferably vehicles of the same make.
It is traditional in our trade that very little thought is given to the future and they seldom make voluntary changes but rather wait until any given situation is forced upon them. Co-operation between haulage contractors is the one and only answer to the rate question. Many will realise this much too late.
R. R. WILSON,
M. A. Wilson & Sons (Haulage) Ltd., Dunfermline.