:0-operate on rates
Page 4
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RATORS are predictably meeting strong, if not fierce, opposition to claims for 3 increases. Even those who are asking for more than a five per cent increase • the January 1980 rate have had their claims rejected.
would be too easy to capitulate and accept an inadequate increase. The only )le to benefit by such a move in the short-term would be the customers.
the long-term it would mean the demise of the operators, a drop in standards, illitained vehicles, and the total collapse of the users' transport and distribution ices.
ignore the fact that there have always been and always will be a queue of raters ready and willing to commit financial suicide would be impractical.
reputable operators find themselves in a dilemma.
le solution cannot be instant. A long and vigorous campaign is necessary.
omers, many of whom are still trading profitably, must be made aware of the ;equences of their stubborn refusal to face the facts.
le Road Haulage and Freight Transport Associations never had a more important bined role to play — they represent both operators and users. Both these bodies ;o-operating on issues at the moment.
e call on them now to make rates their first priority.
ithout the strength of their combined muscle, oad transport and distribution e will continue to deteriorate perators.