Long-steel Trailer Shortage Conceded
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A FTER a day-long hearing at New castleupon Tyne last Friday, the Northern Licensing Authority, Mr. J. A. T. Hanlon, granted short-term licences to Econofreight Transport Ltd. and H. L. Walker Ltd. in respect of three long-length semi-trailers each to carry long-length steel from Tees-side. During the inquiry, which was held at short notice, four officials of Dorman Long (Steel) Ltd., including the director of transport, Mr. W. Golding, told Mr. Hanlon of the serious position which had arisen, particularly at No. 9 Mill at the Cleveland Works, as a result of the shortage of long-length trailers to clear the newly fabricated steel.
British Railways, Sunter Brothers Ltd. and Siddle C. Cook Ltd. objected to the applications, while A. Stevens and Co. (Haulage) Ltd. made representations.
Mr. H. Holsey, manager of the finishing department of Dorman Long. said that the Cleveland articulation scheme was working satisfactorily with standard length material btu, because of a shortage of trailers, material from the continuous rolling mills had to be stacked on the floor—an arrangement which was not envisaged when the giant mill was designed. Jobs were being stacked one on top of the other and when a vehicle eventually arrived tons of steel had to be removed before a particular consignment could be loaded. Mr. Halsey said that the mill had ceased production twice during theprevious week because of shortage of stacking space.
The company was getting so many complaints from customers about delays in delivery that clerks had to work in the office at night to cope with telephone calls, added Mr. Holsey. He said that on the previous day 84 orders had had to be transferred to keep the mill going.
Mr. 1. Thomas, of the company's transport department, asked by Mr. T. H. Campbell Wardlaw, for the applicants, about the number of hauliers employed, said that there were about 20 on the company's list. In addition, foreign-based vehicles were loaded. "Everything that comes in we load 7', he added. On the previous Saturday 750 tons of steel was waiting to be loaded. At least a dozen vehicles a day were needed to clear the mills.
After Mr. C. M. Cram, transport manager of Dorman Long and Mr. Holsey, director of transport, had impressed upon Mr. Hanlon the gravity of the situation, the Authority said he would make short-term grants with certain conditions attached.
He was satisfied, he said, that there was a shortage of vehicles, which must be relieved. Subject to a redeclaration of normal user for the carriage of steel for Dorman Long and associated companies only, the vehicles used must not be longer than 60 ft. overall. Nor mast they conform to the Special Types Order. The traffic carried should generally not exceed 45 ft. in length.