UNFAIR OFFERS I have noticed recently that you are starting
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to highlight the problems of Eastern bloc hauliers (CM18-24 March), but I think maybe you have left it too late.
I am pretty sure the damage has already been done, but then there are many of us out there who should have put pen to paper long ago. Let's face it, there is plenty of time between loads nowadays, isn't there!
I can understand the frustration of owner-driver Nigel Harness from Canvey Island (CM28 Jan-3 Feb) as I myself have ranted and raved in the port of Dover before now, but it just seems to fall on deaf ears.
I have been in and out of the Eastern Bloc for nearly 10 years now and have seen our UK fleet dwindle to a few still trying hard to make a living.
Rates quoted by legitimate UK hauliers are getting undercut by 50% or more by East European hauliers. They run top-of-the-range kit, subsidised by the EU, and at rates which mean they will not be able to pay for the trucks and trailers when the time comes, But what do they care?
Within two years they will have done untold damage to rates and Western European haulage in general.
A UK exporter can open his Lloyds List looking for a haulier to take his consignment to the back of beyond, and he can find an ideal one offering "UK driver-accompanied service". But when the truck arrives at his premises with Memet or Dank flashing number plates in the window, maybe he should turn them away and then pass the word round his particular industry.
I know our industry is highly competitive, but just before shipping out my fourth trip in five months, I noticed a fax in my shipper's office offering driver-accompanied trailers on immediate availability, stating "no reasonable offer refused".
I don't mind competition, but this fax really put into perspective what we are up against. By the look of it all EC hauliers shouldn't have long to wait until their work is affected too! I have never read anything so ludicrous 4"Imy fife. Having always thought of this company as a professional set up, although pro-Eastern Bloc where work is concerned, I feel they would be more suited to doing stock clearance on outdated sofas, rather than international transport, What hope is there for any of us when companies sink to this level? John Cooper, Owner-driver, Warrington.